m 


'at. 


sf* 


\     •  : 


SELECT 

PROVERBS 

OF  ALL  NATIONS, 

WISE    SAYINGS     AND     MAXIMS 

OF  THE  ANCIENT  FATHERS,  AND  THE 

ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE, 

BY    AN    ANCIENT    BRAMIN. 


DAYTON,    0.: 

PUBLISHED   AND   SOLD   BY  B.  P.  ELLS. 
1854. 


SI     T      9     n     f 
I     Jb     I     u     1 

PROVERBS 

OF   ALL   NATIONS. 

PASTIMES,  HOLIDAYS.  AND  CUSTOMS 

OF  OLDIH  HMDS. 
WISE     SAYINGS    AND     MAXIMS 

OF    THE    ANCIENT    FATHERS. 


AND      THE 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE 

BY    AN    ANCIENT    BRAMIN. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1852,  by 

B .    F .    ELLS, 
in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  Ohio. 


CONTENTS. 


Similies  and  Old  Saws  .  .  5 
Proverbial  Rhymes  .  .  7 
Health  and  Diet  ...  15 
Husbandry  and  Weather  .  16 
Familiar  Phrases.  Similicd.  Pro 

verbial  Rhymes,  and  Old  Saws  19 
Women,  Love,  and  Wedlock  .  27 
Select  Proverbs  .  .  .  43 
Virtue,  Religion,  and  Learning  107 
Laws,  Government,  and  Public 

Affairs  .  .  .  i32 

Economy,  Manners,  and  Ric-^s  139 
Pastimes  and  Holidays  .  171 
Customs  and  Ceremonies  .  183 
Christmas  Customs  .  .  193 
Popular  Superstitious  .  .  197 

Ghosts 200 

Witches £0" 

A  Sorcerer  or  Magician  .  209 

Fairies 210 

Second  Sight  .  .  .  .  211 
Omens,  Charms,  and  Diviuations2ll 
Vulgar  Errors  ...  219 
Legal  Eirors  ....  221 
Errors  in  Natural  History  .  222 
Pictorial  Errors  ...  224 
Errors  of  Man  .  .  .  2i5 


Historical  Errors    . 
Miscellaneous  Errors 


Faff. 

226 


SELECT  SAYINGS  AND  MAXIMS 
OF  THE  ANCIENTS,  AND  FA- 
THERS OF  THE  CHURCH,  VIZ. 

Anger 229 

Ancestors        ....  229 

Manners 2£0 

Eating  and  Drinking     .       .  232 

Eloquence        ....  233 

Friendship      ....  233 

Folly 2.4 

Industry 234 

Justice 'J;5 

Kings  and  Laws     .        .        .  "35 

Life  and  Death        .        .        .  237 

Love 228 

Riches  and  Poverty        .       .  238 

Public  Officers       .       .       .  2?9 

Truth 240 

Time        ...       -       .  240 

Virtue 241 

Wisdom 244 

Women 244 

Miscellaneous  Maxims          .  247 


ECONOMY    OF   HUMAN    LIFE. 


Duties  that  relate  to  Ma  ;  consid- 
ered as  an  Individual         .        266 
The  Passions   ....        278 
Consanguinity,  or  Natural  Rela- 
tions      268 

Providence,    or  the   Accidental 

Difference  of  Men        .        .       293 

The  Social  Duties   .       .       .       299 

Man  Considered  in  the  General   310 

2 


Man  Considered  in  regard  to  his 
Infirmities  and  their  Effects  321 

Of  the  Affections  of  Man  which 
are  hurtful  to  himself  and 
others  .  .  .  .  •  342 

Of  the  Advantage  Man  may  ac- 
quire over  his  fellow-creatures  336 

Of  Natural  Accidents    .        .        3C2 

(See  pages  257—8.) 


ADVERTISEMENT. 


IN  making  the  present  Selection  of  Proverbs,  the  first  object 
has  been  to  glean  the  wisest  and  best  in  the  sayings  of  all 
nations ;  collecting  not  merely  their  ethical  maxims,  but  what- 
ever is  characteristic  of  national  manners,  humor  and  intelli- 
gence. 

With  respect  to  arrangement,  I  have  not  exactly  followed  the 
plan  of  any  of  my  predecessors,  but  have  endeavored  to  com- 
bine the  double  advantages  of  alphabet  order,  with  facility  for 
referring  to  any  particular  description  of  proverbs,  according 
to  its  subject. 

The  authors  to  whom  I  have  cheifly  resorted,  are,  Ray's 
English  Proverbs,  Kelly's  Scottish  Proverbs,  Mackintosh's 
Gaelic  Proverbs,  the  French  and  Italian  Proverbs  of  Dubois 
and  Veneroni,  Collins'  Spanish  Proverbs,  the  Glossary  of  Arch- 
deacon Nares,  Grose's  Provincial  Glossary,  D 'Israeli's  Curi- 
osities of  Literature,  Todd's  Johnson  ;  with  several  minor 
works,  too  numerous  to  mention. 

It  is  necessary  to  bear  bear  in  mind,  our's  is  only  a  Selection: 
to  have  given  the  entire  proverbs  of  any  people,  would  have  far 
exceeded  the  limits  of  the  present  plan,  and  consequently  I 
have  only  gleaned  from  each  nation  what  seemed  worthy  of 
modern  refinement.  Where  a  proverb  appeared  curious  or  im- 
portant, the  original  or  parallel  proverb  in  other  languages  has 
been  retained :  this  can  be  attended  with  little  inconvenience 
to  the  English  reader,  and  may  be  interesting  to  the  scholar, 
and  those  who  wish  to  be  accurately  acquainted  with  the  spirit 
and  origin  of  the  Old  Sayings.  Besides,  there  are  persons  so 
fastidious  as  to  refrain  from  quoting  a  proverb  in  plain  English, 

3 


ADVERTISEMENT. 

who  would  not  scruple  to  use  it  in  the  Latin,  Italian,  French, 
or  Spanish  language. 

To  each  proverb  is  added  the  name  of  the  country  to  which 
it  belongs,  when  that  could  be  ascertained  ;  and  when  no  name 
is  affixed,  the  proverb  may  be  generally  concluded  to  be  En- 
glish. But  there  is  nothing  so  uncertain  as  the  derivation  of 
proverbs,  the  same  proverb  being  often  found  in  all  nations, 
and  it  is  impossible  to  assign  its  paternity.  For  this,  two 
reasons  may  be  given.  Proverbs  are  founded  on  nature  ;  and 
as  nature  and  man  are  generally  uniform,  it  is  no  wonder  that 
different  people,  under  similar  circumstances,  have  come  to 
similar  conclusions.  Another  reason  is,  their  short  and  portable 
form  which  adapted  them  for  communication  from  one  nation 
to  another. 

The  exposition  of  Ancient  Pastimes,  and  Customs,  <fec.,  which 
forms  the  second  part,  was  necessary  to  elucidate  the  proverbs: 
one  exhibits  the  mind;  the  other,  the  living  manners  of  the 
period.  It  this  portion  of  the  work,  I  chiefly  relied  on  Strutt's 
Sports  and  Pastimes  of  the  People,  Brand's  Observations  on 
Popular  Antiquities,  and  the  voluminous  works  of  Grose. 

"Vulgar  Errors''  form  the  third  subject,  and  complete  the 
picture  of  the  olden  time :  these  I  chiefly  collected  from  Sir 
Thomas  Browne's  Inquiry  into  Common  and  Vulgar  Errors, 
and  Barrington's  Observations  on  the  Ancient  Statutes. 

At  the  conclusion  is  placed,  under  a  different  arrangement, 
an  "Analysis  of  the  Wisdom  of  the  Ancients,  and  of  the 
Fathers  of  the  Church  :"  we  have  thus  the  wisdom  of  the 
Schools,  of  Poets,  Philosophers,  and  the  Founders  of  the  Chris- 
tian faith.  The  intention  is,  to  form  a  Supplemental  volume 
on  the  'Wisdom  of  the  Moderns,'  including  the  beauteous, 
ranged  aphoristically,  cf  the  most  celebrated  writers,  from  the 
period  of  the  revival  of  learning  to  the  present  time. 


PROVERBS  OF  ALL  NATIONS, 


i*I  M  I  I.II>  AITD  OLD  SAWS. 

As  busy  as  a  bee. 

As  cold  as  charitv. 

As  mad  as  a  march  hare. 

As  nice  as  a  nun's  hen. 

As  plain  as  a  pike-stafl. 

\.s  seasonable  as  snow  in  summer. 

As  deep  drinks  the  goose  as  the  gander. 

As  lawless  as  a  town  bull. 

As  nimble  as  a  cow  in  a  cage. 

As  true  as  the  dial  to  the  sun. 

As  wary  as  a  blind  horse 

As  welcome  as  water  in  one  s  shoes. 

As  a  cat  loves  mustard. 


6  FKOVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

As  brisk  as  a  bee  in  a  tar  pot. 

As  busy  as  a  hen  with  one  chicken. 

As  fall  as  an  egg  is  of  meat. 

As  hungry  as  a  church-mouse. 

As  good  beg  of  a  naked  man,  as  a  miser 

As  merry  as  a  cricket. 

As  grave  as  an  old  gate  post. 

As  grey  as  a  grannunvs  cat. 

As  white  as  the  driven  snow. 

As  the  wind  blows,  you  must  set  your  sail. 

As  good  water  goes  by  the  mill,  as  drives  it. 

As  demure  as  if  butter  would  not  melt  in  her 
mouth. 

As  often  as  thou  doest  wrong;  justice  has  thee 
on  the  score. 

As  wilful  as  a  pig  that  will  neither  lead  nor 
drive. 

As  wise  as  Waltham's  calf,  that  ran  nine  miles 
to  suck  a  bull. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 


As  good  eat  the  devil,  as  the  broth  he  is  boiled  in. 

As  lazy  as  Ludlam's  dog,  that  leaned  his  heaa 
against  a  wall  to  bark. 

As  love  thinks  no  evil  so  envy  speaks  no  good 


PROVERBIAL   RIIY7IE3. 


One  God  —  no  more, 
But  friends  good  store. 

A  light  purse 
Is  a  heavy  curse. 

If  not  by  might, 
E'en  do  it  by  slight. 

Wide  will  wear, 
But  narrow  will  tear. 

Who  dainties  love 
Shall  beggars  prove. 

An  ague  in  the  spring, 
Is  physic  for  d  king. 

The  father  to  the  bough, 
The  son  to  the  plough. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

1  he  head  and  feet  keep  warm, 
The  rest  will  take  no  harm. 

First  canting,  then  wooing ; 
Then  dallying,  then  doing. 

Many  a  little  makes  a  mickle. 
Little  strokes  fall  great  oaks. 

Pay  what  you  owe 

And  what  you're  worth  you'll  know. 

As  a  man  lives,  so  shall  he  die ; 
As  a  tree  falls,  so  shall  it  lie. 

Would  you  live  an  angel's  days  ? 
Be  honest,  just,  and  wise  always. 

Early  to  bed,  and  early  to  rise ; 

Will  make  a  man  healthy,  and  wealthy,  and  wise. 

If  you  trust  before  you  try, 
You  may  repent  before  you  die. 

When  Adam  delv'd  and  Eve  span. 
Where  was  then  the  gentleman  ? 

He  that  buys  land,  buys  many  stones; 
He  that  buys  flesh  buys  many  bones  ; 
He  that  buys  eggs,  buys  many  shells  ; 
But  he  that  buys  good  ale  buys  nothing  else. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

The  higher  the  plum  tree,  the  riper  the  plum ; 
The  richer  the  cobbler,  the  blacker  his  thumb. 

A  man  of  words  and  not  of  deeds. 
Is  like  a  garden  full  of  weeds 

Women  and  wine,  game  and  deceit, 

Make  the  wealth  small,  and  the  wants  great 

Sometimes  words  hurt  more  than  swords 
Linen  often  to  water,  soon  to  tatter- 
He  that  would  please  all  and  himself  too, 
Undertakes  what  none  can  do. 

He  that  by  the  plough  would  thrive, 
Himself  must  either  hold  or  drive. 

An  ape's  an  ape,  a  varlet's  a  varlet, 
Whether  they  be  clad  in  silk  or  scarlet 

The  counsels  that  are  given  in  wine 
Will  do  no  good  to  thee,  or  thine, 

Who,  more  than  he  is  worth,  doth  spend, 
E'en  makes  a  rope  his  life  to  end. 

Be  always  as  merry  as  ever  you  can ; 
For  no  one  delights  in  a  sorrowful  man. 

Maidens  must  be  mild  and  meek; 
Swift  to  hear,  and  slow  to  speak. 


fKOVEKBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

The  devil  was  sick,  the  devil,  a  monk  would  be ; 
The  devil  was  well,  the  devil  a  monk  was  he. 

It  would  make  a  man  scratch  where  it  did  not  itch, 
To  see  a  man  live  poor,  and  then  die  rich. 

Who  spends  more  than  he  should, 
Hath  not  to  spend  when  he  would. 

Vessels  large  may  venture  more,. 

But  little  boats  should  keep  near  shore. 

Fond  pride  of  dress  is  sure  a  very  curse ; 
Ere  fancy  you  consult,  consult  your  purse. 

There  are  no  gains  without  pains ; 
And  frugal  pains  result  in  gains. 

Plough  deep,  while  sluggards  sleep 
And  you  will  have  corn  to  sell  and  keep. 

When  a  musician  has  forgot  his  note, 

He  makes  as  though  a  crum  stuck  in  his  throat. 

"  The  most  haste  the  worst  speed," 
Quoth  the  tailor  to  his  long  thread. 

The  good  or  ill  hope  ot  a  good  or  ill  life, 
Is  the  good  or  ill  choice  of  a  good  or  ill  wife 

When  I  did  well,  I  heard  it  never; 
When  I  did  ill,  I  heard  it  ever. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 


He  who  will  thrive,  must  rise  at  five  ; 
He  who  has  thriven,  mav  sleep  till  seven. 

I  never  saw  an  oft-removed  tree, 

Nor  yet  an  oft-removed  family, 

That  throve  so  well  as  those  that  settled  be. 

For  age  and  want  save  while  you  may; 
No  morning  sun  lasts  a  whole  day. 

Get  what  you  can,  and  what  you  get  hold  ; 

'Tis  the  stone  that  will  turn  all  your  lead  into  gold. 

He  that  gives  his  goods  before  he  be  dead, 
Take  up  a  mallet  and  knock  him  in  the  head  : 

Taken  from  the  history  of  John  Bell,  who,  having  given  all 
his  substance  to  his  children,  was  by  them  neglected  ;  after 
he  died  there  was  found  a  mallet,  with  this  inscription  :  — 

I,  John  Bell,  leave  her  a  mell,  the  man  to  fell, 
Who  gives  all  to  the  bairns,  and  keeps  nothing  to 
himself 

Many  estates  are  spent  in  the  getting, 

Since,   women,   for  tea,  forsook    spinning    and 

knitting, 
And  men,  for  their  punch  forsook  hewing  and 

splitting. 

Like  blood,  like  goods,  and  like  ages 
Make  the  happiest  marriages. 


18  PROVERBS    OF    ALL   NATIONS 

HEALTH    AM>  DIET. 

A  MAN  nas  often  more  trouble  to  digest  meat 
than  to  ?et  meat. 

A  rich  mouthful,  a  heavy  groan. — Spanish. 

Alluding  to  the  gout  and  other  distempers  produced  by  epi- 
curean living. 

A  good  surgeon  must  have  an  eagle's  eye,  a 
lion's  heart,  and  a  lady's  hand. 

Better  wait  on  the  cook  than  the  doctor. — Scotch. 

Better  lose  a  supper  than  have  a  hundred  physi- 
cians.— Spanish . 

Better  half  a  loaf  than  no  bread. 
Bitter  pills  may  have  blessed  effects. — Scotcn. 
Bread  at  pleasure,  drink  by  measure. — French. 
Children  and  chickens  must  be  always  picking. 

Eat  little  at  dinner,  less  at  sup'per.  sleep  aloft, 
and  you  will  live  long. — Spanish. 

Eat  weel  is  drink  weel's  brother. — Scotch. 

Enough  is  as  good  as  a  feast. 

Fish  must  swim  thrice — nameiy,  once  in  the 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

water,  once  in  the  sauce,  and  a  third  time  in  the 
stomach. 

Go  to  bed  with  the  lamb  and  rise  with  the  lark. 
God  sends  meat,  and  the  devil  sends  cooks 
God  cures  and  the  doctor  takes  the  fee. 

He  who  hath  good  health  is  young;  and  he  is 
rich  who  owes  nothing 

He  has  a  noie  under  his  nose  where  all  his 
money  runs  into. 

He  that  would  live  for  aye,  must  eat  sage  in 
May. 

He  that  wants  health  wants  every  thing. 
Health  without  money  is  half  a  sickness. — ltd. 
Health  is  better  tnan  wealth. 
Hunger  is  the  best  sauce. 

Hunger  and  cold  deliver  a  man  up  to  the  ene- 
my.— Span 

Hungry  dogs  will  eat  dirty  pudding 
It  seems  wisely  provided,  that  as  hunger  increases,  ana  of 
course  requires  more  food  to  appease  it,  the  palate  becomes 
proportionately  less  discriminative.     Hence.  Juvenal  ob- 
serves, 


U  PROVERBS    OF   ALL   NATIONS 

"Thus  much  to  the  kind  rural  gods  we  owe 
Who  pity'd  suffering  mortals  long  ago; 
"When  on  harsh  acorns  hungrily  they  fed, 
Gave  'em  nicer  palates,  better  bread." 

If  the  doctor  cures,  the  sun  sees  it,  but  if  he 
kills,  the  earth  hides  it. — Scotch 

If  it  were  not  for  the  stomach  the  back  might 
wear  gold 

It  is  a  great  nleasure  to  eat,  and  have  nothing 
to  pay. 

If  physic  do  not  work,  prepare  for  the  kirk. 

One  hour's  sleep  before  midnight  is  worth  two 
after. 

A  more  wholesome,  if  not  a  truer  maxim,  than  that  of  Erasmus. 
Often  and  a  little  eating  makes  a  man  fat. 

It  is  on  this  principle  our  pugilists  are  trained  for  their  ren- 
counters. They  eat  often  and  sparingly,  and  take  moderate 
rest  and  exercise  between  each  meal.  By  this  simple  process, 
the  wind  is  strengthened,  a  corkiness  and  elasticity  of  mo- 
tion acquired,  and  the  whole  frame  invigorated,  which  ena- 
bles them  to  give  and  take  a  great  deal  of  hammering,  and 
speedily  to  recover  from  their  bruises.  It  is  an  admirable 
system  for  those  also,  who  wish  to  renovate  constitution, 
weakened  by  to  much  indulgence. 

Plenty  makes  dainty. — Scotch. 
Physicians  rarely  take  medicine. — ItaL 


PROVERBS    OF   ALL   NATIONS  15 

Temperance,  employment,  and  a  cheerful  spirit, 
are  the  great  preservers  of  health. 

That  is  not  always  good  in  the  stomach  that  is 
sweet  in  the  mouth. 

The  difference  between  the  poor  man  and  the 
rich  is,  that  the  poor  walks  to  get  meat  for  his 
stomach,  the  rich  man  walks  to  get  a  stomach  for 
his  meat. 

The  full  stomach  loatheth  the  honeycomb,  but 
to  the  hungry  every  thing  is  sweet. 

In  the  morning  to  the  mountain,  in  the  evening 
to  the  fountain 

The  head  keep  cool  and  the  feet  warm,  the  rest 
will  take  no  harm. 

They  who  would  be  young  when  they  are  old 
must  be  old  when  they  are  young. 

The  epicure  puts  his  purse  into  his  stomach, 
and  the  miser  his  stomach  into  his  purse. 

The  best  physicians  are  Dr.  Diet,  Dr.  Quiet, 
and  Dr.  Merryman. 

'Tis  good  to  walk  till  the  blood  appears  on  the 
cheek,  but  not  the  sweat  on  the  brow. — Span 


16  PROVERBS    OF    ALL   NATIONS. 


The  nearer  the  bone  the  sweeter  the  flesh. 

We  are  usually  the  best  men,  when  in  the 
worst  health 

When  bread  is  wanting,  oaten  cakes  are  excel- 
lent.— Span. 

Wine  wears  no  breeches. — French. 

It  usually  loosens  the  tongue  and  gives  the  liberty  of  speech. 
For  this  reason,  ladies  generally  withdraw,  when  the  wine 
comes  on  the  table,  not  choosing  to  be  present  with  such  au 
indecent  guest. 

Wine  is  a  turn-coat;  first  a  friend,  then  an 
enemy. 

You  have  lost  your  own  stomach  and  found 
a  dog's. 

You  dip  your  grave  with  your  teeth. 


HUSBANDRY  AND  WEATHER. 

JF  tne  grass  grow  in  Jamveer, 

It  grows  the  worse  for't  all  the  year. 

March  winds  and  May  sun,  make  clothes  white 
and  maids  dun. 


PROVERBS    OF   ALL   NATIONS.  17 

April  showers  bring  forth  May  flowers 

When  April  blows  his  horn,  its  good  both  for 
hay  and  corn 

April  and  May  are  the  key  of  the  whole  year. 

A  hot  May,  a  fat  churchyard. 

September  blow  soft,  till  the  fruit's  in  the  loft. 

Good  October  a  good  blast, 

To  blow  the  hog  acorn  and  mast. 

November  take  flail,  let  ships  no  more  sail. 

When  the  wind  is  in  the  west. 
The  weather  is  at  the  best. 

When  the  wind  is  in  the  East, 

It  is  good  for  neither  man  nor  beast. 

When  the  wind  is  in  the  South, 

It  blows  the  bait  into  the  fishes'  mouth. 

After  a  famine  in  the  stall, 

Comes  a  famine  in  the  hall. — Somersetshire. 

An  evening  red,  and  a  morning  gray,  is  a  sign 
of  a  fair  day. 

The  French  say,  "  Le  rouge  soir,  et  blanc  matin,  font  rejouir 
le  pelerin."      A  red  evening  and  a  white  morning  rejoice 
the  pilgrim.    A  proverb  I  have  never  observed  to  fail. 
2 


18  PRO  VERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

As  the  days  lengthen,  so  the  cold  strengthens. 
No  weather  is  ill,  if  the  wind  be  still. 

This  rule  in  gardening  ne'er  forget — 
"  To  sow  dry  and  set  wet." 

Calm  weather  in  June,  sets  corn  in  tune. 

Corn  and  horn  go  together;  when  corn  is  cheap 
cattle  are  not  dear. 

A  cherry  year — a  merry  year, 
A  plum  year — a  dumb  year. 

The  third  of  April, 

Comes  in  the  cuckoo  and  nightingale 

Sow  wheat  in  dirt,  and  rye  in  dust. 
Winter  never  rots  in  the  sky 

So  many  mists  in  March  you  see, 
So  many  frosts  in  May  will  be. 

When  the  fern  is  as  high  as  a  spoon, 
You  may  sleep  an  hour  at  noon. 

'Till  St.  James'  day  be  come  and  gone. 
You  may  have  hops,  or  you  may  have  none. 

If  the  partridge  had  but  the  woodcock's  thigh, 
It  would  be  the  best  bird  that  ever  did  fly 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  19 

A  snow  year,  a  rich  year. — Italian. 

Make  the  Tine  poor,  and  it  will  make  you  rich. 

Prune  off  the  branches. 

A  field  requires  three  things ;  fair  weather,  good 
seed,  and  a  good  husbandman. — Italian. 

Set  trees  poor,  and  they  will  grow  rich;  set 
them  rich,  and  they  will  grow  poor. 

Remove  them  always  out  of  a  barren,  into  a  more  fertile  soil; 
the  contrary  would  be  like  a  man  passing  from  a  rich  to 
a  poor  diet,  under  •which  he  would  soon  exhibit  a  ver" 
meagre  appearance. 


FA3EFUAR     PHRASES,     •»I'III.II>     PROVERBIAL 
R 11  V .»!  1>.    \>  O  01,0  SAWS. 

HE  has  given  him  the  bag  to  hold. 
A  blot  in  his  escutcheon. 
He's  in  clover. 

In  easy  circumstances. 

Welch  cousin. — Welch. 

A  relation  far  removed ;  the  Welch  are  great  genealogists, 
and  it  is  a  sorry  pedigree  among  them  that  does  not  reach 
at  least  to  Noah. 

For  want  of  company,  welcome  trumpery . 


80  PROVERBS    OF    ALL   NATIONS. 

A  good  fellow  lights  his  candle  at  both  ends 
Cream-pot  love. 

Such  as  young  fellows  pretend  to  dairy-maids  to  get  cream 
and  other  good  things  from  them. 

That's  the  cream  of  the  jest. 
A  clinker. 

An  inhabitant  of  the  Mint  or  Clink,  formerly  a  place  privile- 
ged from  arrests-  the  receotacle  of  knaves  and  sharpers  of 
all  sorts. 

Neither  lead  nor  drive 

An  old  ewe  dressed  lamb  fashion. 

Applied  to  old  women,  when  they  affect  the  airs  and  dress 
of  young  people. 

He  has  given  him  leg  bail. 

To  make  a  mountain  of  a  mole-hill. 

To  nourish  a  viper  in  one's  bosom. 

To  look  like  an  owl  in  an  ivy-bush. 

To  find  a  mare's  nest. 

To  catch  a  Tartar. 

To  come  in  pudding  time. 

To  have  the  world  in  a  string. 


PROVERBS    OP    ALL    NATIONS.  21 

You'd  do  well  in  Lubber  land,  where  they  have 
half  a  crown  a  day  for  sleeping. 

To  pay  one  in  one's  own  coin.. 

To  run  a  wild-goose  chase. 

To  leave  no  stone  unturned. 

They  are  hand  and  glove. 

To  take  the  wrong  sow  by  the  ear. 

He  has  waked  up  the  wrong  passenger. 

The  gallows  groans  for  you. 

An  handsome  bodied  man  in  the  face. 

The  grey  mare  is  the  better  horse. 

Touch  pot,  touch  penny. 

'Tis  sooner  said  than  done. 

Of  all  tame  beasts,  I  hate  sluts, 

He  looks  as  angry  as  if  he  was  vexed. — Irish. 

A  Scotch  warming  pan. 

A  wench.  In  explanation  of  this  phrase,  Ray  has  the  follow- 
ing note.  "  The  story  is  well  known  of  the  gentleman 
traveling  in  Scotland,  who,  desiring  to  have  his  bed  warm- 
ed, the  servant  maid  doffs  her  clothes,  and  lays  down  in  it 


82  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS       . 

awhile.  In  Scotland  they  have  neither  bellows,  warming 
pan,  nor  houses  of  office." — EDITION,  1768,  p.  65.  It  is 
hardly  necessary  to  remark,  that  the  state  of  things  on  the 
other  side  the  Tweed  has  greatly  improved  since  the  time 
of  Ray,  and  that  Scotland  is  now  distinguished  for  refine- 
ment and  delicacy — its  capital  is  even  styled  the  "  modern 
Athens  " 

A  Welch  ejectment. — Welch. 

A  legal  process  by  which  an  obnoxious  tenant  is  driven  out, 
by  taking  off  the  doors,  windows,  roof,  <tc. 

Water  bewitched 

Small  beer. 

He'll  dress  an  egg,  and  give  the  offal  to  the  poor 

Bear  away  the  bell. 

A  golden  bell  was  formerly  the  prize  of  victory  at  races  and 
other  sports. 

To  out-run  the  constable. 

To  run  in  debt 

He  is  true  blue,  he'll  never  stain. 

Coventry  had  formerly  the  reputation  for  dyeing  true  blues,  so 
much  so  that  TRUE  BLUE  came  to  be  a  proverb,  signifying  one 
that  is  always  the  same.  Blue  was  formerly  a  color  appro- 
priated to  the  dresses  of  servants  and  persons  in  low  life. 
"You  proud  varlets,  you  need  not  be  ashamed  to  wear  BLUE, 
when  your  master  is  one  of  your  fellows." 

It  was  also  the  color  of  beadles  ;  hence  they  came  in  for  the 
appellation  of  BLUE-BOTTLE.  It  is  now  applied  to  a  certain 
party  in  politics. 


PKOVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  23 


To  play  the  dog  in  the  manger;  not  eat  your- 
self, nor  let  another  eat. 

There  is  a  bone  lor  you  to  pick. 
Blmdman's  holiday 

His  eyes  are  like  two  burnt  holes  in  a  olanKet. 
A  Cuckold. 

Dr.  Johnson,  Home  Tooke,  Todd,  and  Archdeacon  Nares, 
seem  to  agree  in  deriving  this  word  from  cuckoo;  but,  as 
Howell  remarked  two  centuries  ago,  it  more  properly  be- 
longs to  the  adulterer,  the  cuckoo  being  well  known  to  be 
a  bird  that  deposits  its  eggs  in  other  birds'  nests.  The 
Romans  used  CALCULUS  in  its  proper  sense  as  adulterer, 
calling,  with  equal  propriety,  the  cuckold  himself  CARRUCA, 
or  "hedge-sparrow,"  which  bird  is  known  to  adopt  an- 
other's spurious  offspring.  In  French,  German,  and  Italian, 
the  name — cuckoo,  was  evidently  derived  from  the  uni- 
formity of  its  note ;  and  in  all  these  languages  it  is  applied, 
in  the  same  reproachful  sense,  to  one  whose  wife  has  been 
unfaithful.  Shakespeare  says, 

"  There  have  been, 

Or  I  am  much  deceiv'd  CUCKOLDS  ere  now 
And  many  a  man  there  is,  ev'n  at  this  present, 
Now  -while  I  speak  this,  holds  his  wife  by  the  arm, 
That  little  thinks  she  has  been  sluic'd  in's  absence. 
This  unfortunate  class  of  mortals  are  unhappy  two  ways ; 
first,  they  are  branded  with  an  appellation  which  clearly 
does  not  belong  to  them ;   secondly,  they  have  to  bear, 
without  redress,  (except  occasionally  a  little  solid  pudding 
in  the  shape  of  damages)  the  scorn  and  infamy  of  a  crime 
which  others  have  committed.     •'  Ever  since  the  reien  of 


24  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

King  Charles  II "  says  Swift,  the  alderman  is  made  a 
cuckold,  the  deluded  virgin  is  debauched,  and  adultery  and 
fornication  are  committed  behind  the  scenes. 

His  bread  is  buttered  on  both  sides 

A  chip  of  the  old  block. 

To  carry  coals  to  Newcastle. 

This  common,  and  one  would  suppose,  local  proverb,  is  quo- 
ted by  D'Israelli,  to  show  that  scarcely  any  remarkable 
saying  can  be  considered  national,  but  that  every  one  has 
some  type  or  correspondent  idea  in  .other  languages.  In 
this  instance,  the  Persians  have,  "  To  carry  pepper  to  Hin- 
dostan  ;"  the  Hebrews,  "To  carry  oil  to  a  city  of  olives;" 
•which  is  exactly  the  same  idea,  clothed  in  oriental  metaphor. 

To  work  for  a  dead  horse. 

To  make  both  ends  meet 

Fair  play  is  a  jewel — don't  pull  my  nair 

He  pins  his  faith  on  another  man's  sleeve. 

All  is  fish  that  comes  to  his  net. 

I  have  other  fish  to  fry. 

'Tis  a  folly  to  fret ;  grief's  no  comfort. 

Out  of  the  frying  pan  into  the  fire. 

Go  farther  and  fare  worse. 


PROVERBS    OF   ALL   NATIONS  25 

He  cannot  say  boo  to  a  goose. 
You  halt  before  you  are  lame. 
All  bring  grists  to  your  mill. 
To  live  from  hand  to  mouth. 
We  don't  gather  figs  from  thistles. 
To  haro  upon  the  same  string. 
Too  hasty  to  be  a  parish  clerk 
To  hit  the  nail  on  the  head. 

Hobson's  choice 

A  man  is  said  to  have  Hobson  s  cnoice  when  he  must  either 
take  what  is  left  him,  or  none  at  aH 

Give  him  an  inch  and  he'll  take  an  ell 

Better  known  than  trusted. 

Help  the  lame  doe:  over  the  style 

He'll  go  to  law  for  the  wagging  of  a  straw. 

You  measure  every  one's  corn  in   your  own 
bushel 

I  can  see  as  far  into  the  mill-stone  as  he  that 
nicks  it. 


28  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

It  \vill  be  a  nosegay  to  him  as  lonp1  as  he  lives 

It  will  stink  in  his  nostrils 

To  rip  up  old  sores. 

Penny  wise,  and  pound  foolish. 

He  is  put  to  bed  with  a  shovel;  i.  e.  ouried 

She   is   like   a  waterford  heifer,  beef   to   the 
heels  — T*'ish. 

To  rob  Peter  to  Day  Paul 
You  gather  a  rod  for  vour  own  back. 
f  o  row  one  way  and  look  another. 
oTair  and  softly,  as  lawyers  go  to  heaven. 

To  spare  at  the  spigot  and  let  out  at  the  bung- 
hole. 

To  sow  ms  wild  oats. 

To  strain  at  a  gnat  and  swahow  a  camel. 

You  must  take  the  fat  with  the  lean. 

i  would  trust  him  no  farther  than  I  can  fling  a 
bull  by  the  tail. 

To  kill  two  birds  with  one  stone. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 


To  have  two  strings  to  one's  bow. 

God  send  you  more  wit,  and  me  more  money. 

To  have  the  wolf  by  the  ear 

She  wears  the  breeches. 

It  is  an  ill  wind  that  blows  nobody  any  good. 


1,0 VE,  AND  WEDLOCK. 

A  BONY  bride  is  soon  dresseo?,  a  short  horse  soon 
whisked. — Scotch. 

At  the  gate  which  suspicion  enters,  love  goes 
out. 

A  maid  that  laughs  is  half  taiten. 

At  weddings  and  funerals,  friends  are  discerned 
from  kinsfolk 

As  the  good  man  saith,  so  say  we ;  but  as  the 
good  woman  saith,  so  it  must  be. 

A  woman  and  a  greyhound  must  be  small  in 
the  waist. — Spanish. 

A  little  house  well  filled,  a  little  hind  well  tilled, 
and  a  little  wife  well  willed. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

A  fair  woman,  with  foul  conditions,  is  like  a 
sumptuous  sepulchre,  full  of  corruption. 

A  buxom  widow  must  be  either  married,  buried, 
or  shut  up  in  a  convent. 

A  man  may  love  his  house  we11   and  vet  not 
ride  on  the  ridge. 

A  man  may  love  his  children  and  relations  well,  and  yet 
not  be  foolishly  fond  and  indulgent  to  them. 

.ft.  young  woman  married  to  an  old  man,  must 
behave  like  an  old  woman. 

A  woman  is  knwn  bv  her  walking  and  drink- 
ing.— Spanish. 

More,  I  apprehend, may  beknown  of  a  woman  by  hertalking 
than  her  "walking."  The  Spaniards  entertain  an  unfa- 
vorable opinion  of  ladies,  who  are  fond  of  walking, 
especially  in  public  places. 

virtuous  woman,  though  ugly,  is  the  orna- 
ment of  the  house. 

An  obedient  wife  commands  her  husband. 

A  woman  that  loves  to  be  at  the  window,  is 
like  a  bunch  of  grapes  on  the  highwav. 

A  man's  best  fortune  or  his  worst  is  a  wife. 
A  woman's  work  is  never  at  an  end. 


PROVERBS    OF   ALL   NATIONS.  29 

A  woman  and  a  cherry  are  painted  for  their 
own  harm. 

A  good  wife  is   the  workmanship  of  a  good 
husband. 

A  true  friend  does   sometimes  venture  to  be 
offensive. 

A  woman  that  paints,  puts  up  a  bill  that  she  is 
to  be  let. 

A  woman  is  to  be  from  her  home  three  times ; 
when  she  h  christened,  married,  and  buried. -Span. 

What  jealous  patcd  knaves  these  Spaniards  mnst  be!    A 
woman  had  better  go  to  a  nunnery  at  once. 

Advise  no  one  to  go  to  the  wars,  nor  to  mar- 
»*y. — Spanish.  5 

A  nice  wife  and  a  back  door,  do  often  make  a 
rich  man  poor. — Italian. 

A  man  would  not  be  alone  even  in  Paradise. 

A  husband  without  ability  is  like  a  house  with- 
out a  roof. — Spanish. 

A  lewd  bachelor  makes  a  jealous  husband. 

A  fair  ^^man.  without  virtue,  is  like  called 
wine. 


30  PRO  VERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

An  enemy  to  beauty  is  a  foe  to  Nature. 

A  barren  sow  was  never  good  to  pigs. — Scotch. 

Applied  to  old  maids  and  unfruitful  wives,  who,  having  no 
children  of  their  own,  deal  harshly  with  other  people's. 

A  friend  that  you  buy  with  presents  will  be 
bought  from  you. 

A  dog's  nose  and  a  maid's  knees  are  all  ways 
cold. 

All  are  good  lasses ;  but  where  come  the  ill 
wives  frae. — Scotch. 

A  groaning  wife  and  a  grunting  norse  never 
fail  their  master. — Scotch. 

A  lass  that  has  many  wooers,  oft  fairs  the 
worst. — Scotch. 

A  man  must  ask  his  wife  leave  to  thrive. 
Bare  walls  make  gadding  housewives. 
Beauty  will  buy  no  beef. 

Be  a  good  husband,  and  you  will  soon  get  a 
penny  to  spend,  a  penny  to  lend,  and  a  penny  for 
a  friend. 

Better  go  away  longing  than  loathing. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  31 

Beauty  in  women  is  like  the  stars  of  Spring; 
but  virtue  is  like  the  stars  of  heaven. 

Beauties   without  fortunes   have   sweethearts 
plenty,  but  husbands  none  at  all. 

Biting  and  scratching  is  Scots  folks'  wooing. — 
Scotch. 

•  Which  answers  to  the  Spanish  saying,  on  the  amorous  dally 
of  the  feline  race — "  Cats  love  begins  with  quarreling." 
"Their  friskings,  crawlings,  squawl,  I  much  approve 
Their  spittings,  pawiogs,  high  raised  rumps, 
Swelled  tails  and  merry  andrew  jumps, 
With  the  wild  minstrelsy  of  rapturous  love. 
How  sweetly  roll  their  gooosebeiry  eyes, 
As  loud  they  tune  thier  amorous  cries. 
And,  loving,  scratch  each  other  black  and  blue." 

WALCOT. 

Before  you  marry,  besure  of  a  house  to  tarry. — 
Spanish. — Italian. 

Better  be  half  hanged  than  ill  wed. 
Beauty  draws  more  than  oxen 
Beauty  is  no  inheritance. 

Children  are  uncertain  comforts :  when  little, 
they  make  parents  fools ;  when  great,  mad. 

Call  your  husband  cuckold  in  jest,  and  he'll 
ne'er  suspect  you. 


32  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 


Choose  a  wife  rather  by  your  ear,  than  your  eye. 

Delays  increase  desires,  and  sometimes  extin- 
guish them. 

Discreet  women  have  neither  eyes  nor  ears. 

Easy  to  keep  the  castle  that  was  never  beseig- 
ed. — Scotch. 

Spoken  with  bitterness  by  a  handsome  woman,  when  an 
ugly  one  calls  her  a  w h. 

Every  man  can  guide  an  ill  wife,  but  he  that 
hath  her. — Scotch. 

Fair  is  not  fair,  but  that  which  pleaseth. 

Far  fetched,  and  dear  bought  is  good  for  the 
ladies. 

Fanned  fire  and  forced  love,  never  did  well 
yet. — Scotch. 

Friends  got  without  desert,  will  be  lost  without 
cause. 

Friendship  is  the  perfection  of  love. 

Friends  tie  their  purse  with  a  cobweb  thread. — 
Italian. 

Fat  sorrow  is  better  than  lean  sorrow. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS  33 

From  many  children  and  little  bread,  good  Lord 
deliver  us  ! — Spanish. 

Glasses  and  lasses  are  brittle  ware. — Scotch 

Hold  your  hands  off  other  folks'  bairns,  till  you 
get  some  of  your  own. — Scotch. 

Spoken  by  a  girl,  when  a  young  man  offers  to  tease  her. 

He  who  is  about  to  marry  should  consider  how 
it  is  with  his  neighbors. 

He  that  hath  a  wife  and  children  must  not  sit 
with  his  fingers  in  his  mouth. 

Who  marrieth  for  love,  without  money,  hath 
good  nights,  and  sorry  days. — Italian. — Scotch. 

He  who  intrigues  with  a  married  woman  has 
his  life  in  pledge. 

He  loves  you  as  a  ferrit  does  a  rabbit,  to  make 
a  meal  of  you. 

He  who  does  not  honor  his  wife  dishonors  him- 
self.— Spanish. 

He  that  marries  a  widow  will  often  have  a  dead 
aian's  head  thrown  in  his  dish. — Spanish. 

He  has  a  great  fancy  to  marry  that  goes  to  the 
devil  for  a  wife 

3 


34  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

He  that  is  a  wise  man  by  day  is  no  fool  by  night. 
He  who  marrieth  for  wealth  sells  his  liberty 
He  that  takes  not  up  a  pin  slights  his  wife. 

He  that  woos  a  maid,  must  come  seldom  in  her 
sight. 

He  that  woos  a  widow,  must  woo  her  day  and 
night. 

He  that  kisseth  his  wife  in  the  market  place 
shall  have  plenty  to  teach  him. 

Hearts  may  agree,  though  heads  differ. 

If  you  make  your  wife  a  goldfinch,  she  may 
prove  in  time  a  wag-tail. 

I  will  never  spit  in  my  bonnet  and  set  it  on  my 
head.  —  Scotch. 

ill  never  ruin  tne  woman  I  intend  to  marry. 


If  marriages  DC  maae  in  heaven  some  have  few 
friends  there.  —  Scotch. 

It's  a  good  horse  that  never  stumbles,  and  a 
good  wife  that  never  grumbles. 


PROVERBS    OF   ALL   NATIONS.  35 

In  love's  wars  he  that  flyeth  is  conqueror. 

It  is  in  vain  to  kick  after  you  have  once  put  on 
the  fetters. 

If  all  the  world  were  ugly,  deformity  would  be 
no  monster. 

/•  •-     "'•     *;;-;*'     ;>'•*  •••'"".  "•  'VH"-':     '*  "• ' ''*?•»£*';• '     • 

It's  a  sad  house  where  the  hen  crows  louder 
than  the  cock. — Italian. 

If  you  can  kiss  the  mistress,  never  kiss  the 
maid. 

It  is  better  to  marry  a  quiet  fool  than  a  witty 
scold. 

If  one  will  not,  another  will ;  so  are  all  maidens 
married. 

If  thou  desirest  a  wife,  choose  her  on  a  Saturday 
rather  than  on  a  Sunday.— Spanish. 
That  is  iu  her  dishabille. 

It's  hard  to  wive  and  thrive  both  in  a  year. 

If  the  mother  had  never  been  in  the  oven,  she 
would  not  have  looked  for  her  daughter  there. 

Keep  the  feast  till  the  feast-day. — Scotch. 

Advice  for  maidens  not  to  part  with  their  virginity  till 
married. 


36  PROVERBS    OF    ALL  NATIONS. 

King  Arthur  did  not  violate  the  refuge  of  a  wo- 
man.— Welch. 

That  is,  left  her  the  freedom  of  her  tongue,  and  would  not 
beat  her  for  speaking ! 

Kissing  goes  by  favor. 

Ladies  will  sooner  pardon  want  of  sense  than 
want  of  manners. 

Likeness  begets  love,  yet  proud  men  hate  one 
another. 

Like  blood,  like  goods,  and  like  age,  make  the 
happiest  marriages. 

Long-tongued  wives  go  long  with  bairn.— Scotch. 

Love  me  little,  love  me  long. 

Love  and  lordship  like  no  fellowship. 

Love  may  gain  all,  time  destroys  all,  and  death 
ends  all. — Italian. 

Love  and  pride  stock  bedlam. 

Love,  knavery,  and  necessity,  make  men  good 
orators. 

Love  can  neither  be  bought  nor  sold ;  its  onlv 
price  is  love. — Italian. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  37 


Hove  is  without  prudence,  and  anger  without 
counsel. — Italian. 

"  I  could  not  love,  I  am  sure, 

One  who  in  love  were  wise." — COWLET 

Love  is  as  warm  among  cottagers  as  courtiers. 

Many  a  time  have  I  got  a  wipe  with  a  towei, 
but  never  a  daub  with  a  dish-clout  before. — Scotch. 

The  answer  of  a  saucy  girl,  when  teased  by  an  unworthy 
suitor. 

More  belongs  to  marriage  tnan  four  bare  legs 
in  a  bed. 

Marriage    is     nonorable,    but    house-keeping 
chargeable. 

;.,..;  \> 

Many  kiss  the  child  for  the  nurse's  sake. 

Marry  your  sons  when  you  will,  your  daughters 
when  you  can. 

Marry  your  daughters  betimes,  lest  they  marry 
themselves . — Spanish. 

Marry,  marry!  and  who  id  to  manage  the  house. 
— Spanish. 

Said  of  foolish  young  persons,  who  talk  of  marriage  before 

they  are  capable   to  undertake  the  cares  and  expenses 
of  wedlock. 


38  PROVERBS    OF   ALL   NATIONS. 

Marry  in  haste  and  repent  at  leisure. 

• 

Man  is  fire,  and  woman  tow ;  the  devil  comes 
and  sets  them  in  a  blaze. — Svanish. 

Maids  want  notning  but  husbands,  and  when 
they  have  got  them,  they  want  every  thing. 

Many  a  one  for  land,  takes  a  fool  by  the  hand. 

Many  blame  the  wife  for  their  own  thriftless- 
ness. — Scotch. 

My  son's  my  son  till  he  hath  got  him  a  wife. 

My  daugher's  my  daughter  all  the  days  of  her 
life. 

Novelty  is  always  handsome. 

New  amours  make  us  forget  the  old. — Italian. 

Not  so  ugiy  as  to  be  frightful,  nor  so  beautiful 
as  to  kill. — Spanish. 

No  woman  is  ugly  when  she  is  drest 

Observe  the  face  of  the  wife  to  know  the  hus 
bands  character. — Spanish. 

Old  women's  gold  is  not  ugly. 

A  wipe  for  those  who  are  on  the  scent  after  old  dowagers 
with  heavy  purses. 


KO  Xr£KliS    O  F    A  LL    NATIONS.  39 

Paint  and  patches  give  offence  to  the  husband, 
and  hopes  to  the  gallant 

One  love  drives  out  another. 

One  year  of  joy,  another  of  comfort,  ana  all 
the  rest  of  content. 
A  marriage  wish. 

She  was  a  neat  dame  that  washed  the  ass's  face. 

She  is  neither  maid,  wite,  nor  widow. 

She  had  rather  kiss  tnan  spin. 

She  that  is  born  a  beauty  is  half  married. 

She  that  nas  an  ill  husband  shows  it  in  ner 

Iress. 

Smoke,  raining  in  the  house,  and  a  scolding 
vife  will  make  a  man  run  out  of  doors. 

Saith  Solomon  the  wise  '  good  wife's  a  good 
prize.' 

The  fairer  the  hostess,  the  fouler  the  reckoning 

Since  you  wrong'd  me,  you  never  had  a  good 
thought  of  me. 

The  bitch,  that  I  mean,  is  not  a  dog. 


40  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 


She  spins  a  good  web,  who  brings  up  her  son 
well. — Spanish 

She  is  well  married  who  has  seen  neither  moth- 
er-in-law nor  siseter-in-law  by  her  husband.-/S^an. 

In  Spain,  they  entertertain  no  great  opinion  of  this  class 
of  kindred. 

Take  heed,  girl,  of  the  promise  of  a  man,  for 
it  will  run  like  a  crab. — Spanish. 

That  is,  backwards. 

The  woman  who  has  a  bad  husband  makes  a 
confidant  of  her  maid. — Spanish. 

The  society  of  ladies  is  a  school  of  politeness. 

The  rich  widow  cries  with  one  eye,  ana  rejoices 
with  the  other. — Spanish. 

To  a  foolish  woman,  a  violin  is  more  pieasmg 
than  a  distaff. — Italian.  \ 

There  is  no  better  looking  glass  than  a  true 
friend. 

The    calmest    husbands    make    the    stormiest 
wives. 

The  cunning  wife  makes  her  husband  ner  a- 
Dron. — Spanish. 


PRO  VE  RBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  41 

The  more  women  look  in  their  glasses,  the  less 
they  look  to  their  houses 

ihree  women  and  a  goose  make  a  market. — 
Italian. 

Tell  it  her  once  and  the  devil  will  tell  it  to  her 
ten  times. — Spanish. 

Tell  a  woman  she  is  beautiful,  and  the  devil  will  often  put 
her  in  mind  of  it. 

To  preserve  a  friend  three  things  are  required ; 
to  honor  him  present  praise  him  absent,  and  as- 
sist him  in  his  necessities. — Italian 

The  mother  knows  best  whetner  tne  child  be 
like  the  father. 

There  is  many  a  gooa  wife  that  can't  sing  and 
dance  wel1 

There  is  one  gooa  wife  in  tne  country  and  ev- 
ery man  thinks  he  hath  her 

There  is  no  mischief  in  the  world  done,  but  a 
woman  is  one. 

Who  feels  love  in  his  breast,  feels  a  spur  in  his 
limbs . — Italian . 

Women  and  dogs  set  men  together  by  the  ears. 


42  PROVEKBS    OF   ALL   NATIONS. 

We  bachelors  grin,  but  you  married  men  laugh 
till  your  hearts  ache. 

When  poverty  comes  in  at  the  door,  love  flies 
out  at  the  window. 

When  the  good  man  s  irom  home,  the  good 
wife's  table  is  soon  spread. 

Who  has  a  bad  wife,  has  purgatory  for  a  neigh- 
bor.— Italian 

Who  is  a  cuckold,  and  conceals  it,  carries  coals 
in  his  bosom. — Spanish. 

Who  weas  ere  he  be  wise,  shall  die  ere  he 
thrives. 

Women  must  nave  their  wills  while  tney  *ive, 
because  they  make  none  when  they  die 

«Vho  hath  a  scoicl  hath  sorrow  to  his  sops. 

Who  thinks  a  woman  nath  no  merit  but  ner 
money,  deserves  to  be  made  a  cuckold. 

Who  more  ready  to  call  her  neighbor — scoid, 
than  the  greatest  scold  in  the  parish. 

Ladies  of  pleasure  affect  not  you,  but  vour 
money. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  43 


While  the  tall  maid  is  stooping,  the  little  one 
hath  swept  the  house. 

Women  laugh  when  they  can,  and  weep  when 
they  will 

Works  and  not  words  are  the  proof  of  love 
You  may  know  a  foolish  woman  by  her  finer'. 


SELECT    PROVERBS. 

A  BLITHE  heart  makes  a  blooming  visage.— Scotch. 

A  burden  which  one  chooses  is  not  felt. 

A  crowd  is  not  company. 

A  thousand  probabilities  do  not  make  one  truth. 

A  blow  from  a  frying  pan,  tnough  it  does  not 
hurt,  it  sullies. — Spanish. 

A  calumny,  though  known  to  be  such,  generally 
leaves  a  stain  on  the  reputation. 

Advice  to  all,  security  to  none 

A  cut  purse  is  a  sure  trade,  for  he  has  reaay 
money  when  his  work  is  done. 


44  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 


A  guilty  conscience  needs  no  accuser. 
All  truths  must  not  be  told  at  all  times. 
Adversity  makes  a  man  wise,  not  rich. 
A  drowning  man  will  catch  at  a  straw. 

An  honest  man  has  half  as  much  more  brains 
as  he  needs;  a  knave  hath  not  half  enough. 

A  friar  who  asks  alms  for  God's  sake,  begs  for 
two. — Spanish. 

A  fool's  tongue  is  long  enough  to  cut  his  throat. 
A  friend  in  court  is  worth  a  penny  in  the  purse. 

A  friend  to  every  body  is  a  friend  to  nobody. — 

Spanish. 

A  friend,  as  far  as  conscience  allows 
A  great  city,  a  great  solitude. 

A  hand-saw  is  a  good  thing,  but  not  to  shave 
with. 

After  -wit  is  every  body's  wit. 

A  good  tale  ill  told  is  marred  in  the  telling. 

A  good  servant  makes  a  good  master. — Italian. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS  45 

A  good  name  is  better  than  riche 

A  glass  of  water  is  sometimes  worth  a  ton  of 
wine,  and  a  penny  is  worth  a  pound. — Italian. 

A  gude  word  is  as  soon  said  as  an  ill  one. — 
Scotch. 

A  man  is  a  man,  though  ne  has  but  a  hose 
upon  his  head. 

A  good  shape  is  in  the  shear's  mouth. — Scotch. 
A  good  key  is  necessary  to  enter  Paradise. — It. 
All  are  not  theives  that  dogs  bark  at. 
All  blood  is  alike  ancient. 

A  good  pay-master  is  lord  of  anotner  man's 
p  ur  s  e . — Italian . 

A  good  companion  makes  good  company.— Span. 

A  gude  tale  is  na  the  waur  to  be  twice  told. — 
Scotch. 

A  gift  long  waited  for  is  sold,  not  given. 
A  little  wit  will  serve  a  fortunate  man. 
A  mad  parish  must  have  a  mad  Driest. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    KAT1ONS. 

A  handful  of  common  sense  is  worth  a  bushel 
of  learning. — Spanish. 

A  mad  bull  is  not  to  be  tied  up  with  a  pack- 
thread. 

A  man  in  distress  or  despair  does  as  much  as  ten. 

All  men  are  not  men. — Italian 

A  man  may  say  even  his  prayers  out  of  time. 

A  man  is  little  the  better  for  liking  himself,  if 
nobody  else  likes  him 

Apelles  was  not  a  master  painter  the  first  day. 

A  man  may  be  strong  and  yet  not  mow  well. 

\n  inch  in  a  man's  nose  is  much. 

A  hasty  man  never  wants  woe. — Scotch. 

A  kiss  of  the  mouth  often  touches  not  the  heart. 

A  man  may  talk  like  a  wise  man,  and  yet  act 
like  a  fool. 

All  is  but  lio- wisdom  that  wants  experience. 

A  fool  may  ask  more  questions  in  an  hour  than 
a  wise  man  can  answer  in  seven  years. 


PRO  VEKBS  OF  ALL  NATIONS.          47 


An  emmet  may  work  its  heart  out,  but  can 
never  make  honey. 

We  cannot  have  figs  from  thorns,  nor  grapes  from  thisties. 
If  we  would  succeed  in  any  business  \ve  must  use  means 
adapted  to  the  em' 

A  man  knows  more  to  any  purpose  than  he 


-V  place  at  court  is  a  continual  bribe. 

A  true  reformation  must  oegin  at  the  upper  end. 

Windham  used  to  say,  "it  was  the  lower  end  that  was  most 
corrupt,  and  reformation  ought  to  begin  there."  We 
cannot  decide. 

A  plaister  is  a  small  amends  for  a  broken  head. 
A  stumble  may  prevent  a  fall. 

A  tragical  plot  may  produce  a  comical  conclu- 
sion. 

An  ill  plea  should  be  weel  pled.  —  Scotch, 

A  man  may  buy  goid  too  dear. 

All's  well  that  ends  well 

A  liar  should  have  a  good  memory 

A  man  may  live  upon  little,  but  he  cannot  live 
upon  nothing  at  all.  —  Gaelic. 


48  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS 

All  are  not  saints  that  go  to  the  church. 
All  is  not  gold  that  glitters. 
Although  we  are  negroes  we  are  men. 
Almost  and  very  nigh  saves  many  a  lie 
A  miss  is  as  gooa  as  a  miie. 

A  man  knows  nis  companion  in  a  long  journey 
and  a  small  inn. — Spanish 

A  fool  always  comes  short  of  his  reckoning 
The  half  is  better  than  the  whole. 

A  Greek  proverb,  recommending  a  person  to  take  half  rath- 
er than  risk  the  expenses  and  uncertainty  of  a  lawsuit 
to  obtain  the  whole 

A  little  pot  is  soon  hot. 

Little  persons  are  commonly  choleric. 

A  man  must  piough  with  such  oxen  as  he  has. 

A  man  is  weel  o  wae  as  he  thinks  himself 
sae. — Scotch. 

A  mischievous  cur  must  be  tied  short. — French. 
A  man  is  a  lion  in  his  ain  cause. — Scotch. 

We  had  some  proof  of  this  in  the  conduct  of  the  Reformers,' 
who  in  the  late  years  defended  their  'ain  cause.'  There 


PROTERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 


is  indeed  nothing  like  a  man  having  a  "  stake  in  the 
hedge.'  Give  a  good  servant  a  share  in  the  firm,  and  he 
is  zealous  for  his  employer ;  or  a  citizen  his  political 
rights  and  he  fights  valiantly  for  the  commonwealth. 
There  could  be  no  patriotism  among  the  vassals  of  the 
feudal  system ;  they  had  neither  property  nor  justice  ;  it 
was  nothing  to  them  who  were  the  rulers  of  the  earth, 
and  they  might  exclaim,  in  the  words  of  the  Spanish 
proverb,  "Where  can  the  ox  go  that  he  must  not  plough." 

A  merry  companion  on  the  road  is  as  good  as 
a  nag. 

Ask  a  kite  for  a  feather,  and  she  will  say  she 
has  just  enough  to  fly  with. 

An  old  naught  will  never  be  aught. 

An  old  knave  is  no  babe 

A  new  oroom  sweeps  clean 

An  ill  workman  quarrels  with  his  tools. 

Apothecaries  would  not  give  pills  in  sugar  un- 
less they  were  bitter. 

A  pleasure  is  well  paid  for  which  is  long  ex- 
pected.— Italian. 

A  rolling  stone  gathers  no  moss. 

A  sorrowing  bairn  was  never  fat. — Scotch 
4 


50  PROVERBS    OP    ALL    NATIONS. 


A  stroke  at  every  tree  but  without  felling  any.— 
Gaelic. 

Ask  enough  and  you  may  lower  the  price  as 
you  list. — Spanish. 

According  to  the  Latin  :  OPOKTET  IXIQVVM  PETAS  UT  ^EQUUM 
FERAS  ;  you  must  ask  what  is  unjust  to  obtain  "what  is 
just.  We  presume  it  is  on  this  principle  the  Universal 
Suffrage  men  frame  their  demands.  They  do  not  mean 
to  have  all  they  ask,  but  ask  a  great  deal  with  the  view 
of  bating  a  little. 

A  swine  fatted  hath  eat  its  own  bane. 

\s  ye  mak'  your  bed  sae  ye  maun  ly  down. — 
Scotch. 

A  wonder  lasts  but  nine  days,  and  then  the 
puppy's  eyes  are  open. 

A.  wild  goose  never  laid  a  tame  egg. — Irish. 
A  wilful  man  should  be  very  wise. — Scotch. 
A  white  glove  often  conceals  a  dirty  hand.--/ta/. 
A  word  before  is  worth  two  behind. — Scotch. 

A  word  and  a  stone  thrown  away  do  not  re- 
turn.— Spanish. 

Before  you  make  a  friend,  eat  a  peck  of  salt 
with  him. — Scotch. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  11 

A  word  to  the  wise  is  enough. 
Beggars  must  not  be  choosers 

Bells  call  others  to  church  but  enter  not  in 
themselves. 

Better  the  ill  known,  than  tne  gude  unknown. — 
Scotch. 

• 
Better  be  the  head  of  the  yeomanry  than  the 

tail  of  the  gentry. 

Men  love  priority  and  precedence,  had  rather  govern  than 
be  ruled,  command  than  obey,  though  in  an  inferior  rank 
and  quality.  Julius  Caesar  and  John  Wesley  were  agreed 
on  this  point,  it  is  better  to  rule  in  Hell  than  to  serve  in 
Heaven— to  be  the  first  man  in  a  village  than  the  second 
man  in  Rome. 

Better  come  at  the  latter  end  of  a  feast  than 
the  beginning  of  a  fray. 

Better  keep  the  de'el  out  than  turn  him  out. — 
Scotch. 

It  is  easier  to  keep  out  a  bad  inmate  than  to  get  rid  of  him 
after  he1  has  once  been  admitted.  ,It  is  also  used  in 
another  sense,  implying  that  it  is  better  toresist  our  pas- 
sions at  first  han  after  indulgence. 

Better  late  than  never 


52  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

That  is  better  our  house  should  be  too  small  for  one  great 
entertainment,  than  too  large  all  the  rest  of  the  year.  It 
is  applied  to  those  jolly  souls,  who,  for  the  sake  of  one 
good  "  blow  out,"  abridge  the  comforts  of  the  remaining 
twelve  months. 

Better  bend  than  break. 

Better  a  little  fire  that  warms,  nor  a  meikle 
that  burns. — Scotch. 

Better  late  thrive,  as  never  do  well. — Scotch. 

Beware  of  vinegar  made  of  sweet  wine. — Ital. 
Provoke  not  the  rage  of  a  patient  man. 

Bold  and  shameless  men  are  masters  of  the 
world. 

Be  a  friend  to  yourself  and  others  will. — Scotch. 

Better  go  around  than  fall  into  the  ditch. — Span 

* 
Be  the  same  thing  that  ye  wad  be  ca'd. — Scotch. 

Be  patient  and  you  shall  have  patient  children. 
Better  an  empty  house  than  ill  tenant.— Scotch. 

Be  not  a  baker  if  vour  head  be  of  butter. — 
Spanish. 

That  is,  choose  a  calling  adapted  to  your  inclinations  and 
natural  abilities. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  33 


Better  to  be  alone  than  in  bad  company. — Gaelic. 

Between  two  stools  the  breech  comes  to  the 
ground. 

Better  pass  a  danger  once  than  be  always  in 
fear. — Italian. 

Better  ride  on  an  ass  that  carries  me  than  a 
horse  that  throws  me. — Spanish. 

Biting  and  scratching  got  the  cat  with  kitten. 
Birds  of  a  feather  flock  together. 

Blaw  the  wind  never  so  fast  it  will  lower  at 
last. — Scotch. 

Building  is  a  sweet  impoverisning. 

Our  forefathers  seemed  to  consider  building  a  very  unprof- 
itable speculation.  They  had  many  proverbs  to  the  same 
effect : 

He  "who  buys  a  house  ready  wrought, 
Has  many  a  pin  and  nail  for  uought. 

The  French  too  say,  -'A  house  ready  made,  and  a  wife  to 
make."  The  times  have  altered,  if  one  may  judge  fronr 
the  present  rage  for  building  in  the  vicinity  of  London, 
and  in  the  country. 

Buy  at  a  market  but  sell  at  nome. — Spanisn. 
Beware  of  a  silent  dog  and  still  water. 


84  PROVERBS    OF    ALL   NATIONS. 

Beware  of  enemies  reconciled,  and  meat  twice 
boiled. — Spanish. 

Children  dead,  and  friends  afar,  farewell. 

Child's  pig  but  father's  bacon. 

Alluding  to  the  promises  which  parents  sometimes  make  to 
their  children,  and  which  they  fail  to  perform. 

Charity  begins  at  home. 

Children  and  fools  speak  the  truth. 

Consider  well,  who  you  are,  what  you  do, 
whence  you  come,  and  whither  you  go. 

Custom  is  the  plague  of  wise  men,  and  the  idol 
of  fools. 

The  Spaniards  say,  A  good  or  bad  custom,  the  rogue  wishes 
it  to  exist."  Which  shows  the  influence  the  knavish  part 
of  society  conceive  established  usage  to  have  in  their 
prosperity. 

Customs, 

Though  they  be  ne'er  so  ridiculous, 

Nay  let  them  be  unmanly,  yet  are  followed. — SHAKS. 

Can't  I  be  your  friend  but  I  must  be  your  fool 
too? 

Call  me  cousin,  but  cozen  me  not. 

Consider  not  pleasures  as  they  come,  but  go. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL   NATIONS.  55 

Count  not  your  chickens  before  they  are  hatched. 

Counsel  is  to  be  given  by  the  wise,  the  remedy 
by  the  rich. 

Credit  lost  is  like  a  Venice  glass  broken. 
Crosses  are  ladders  leading  to  heaven 

Day  and  night,  sun  and  moon,  air  and  light, 
every  one  must  have,  and  none  can  buy. 

Ding  down  the  nests  and  the  rooks  will  flee 
away. — Scotch. 

This  proverb  was  ruthlessly  applied  in  Scotland  at  the  Refor- 
mation, to  the  destruction  of  many  noble  cathedrals  and 
collegiate  churches 

Diseases  are  the  interests  of  pleasures. 
Do  on  the  hill  as  you  would  in  the  hall. 
Do  what  you  ought,  and  come  what  will. 

Do  not  make  me  kiss,  and  you  will  not  make 
me  sin. 

Do  not  say,  you  cannot  be  worse. 
Dogs  bark  as  they  are  bred. 

'Every  one  to  his  trade,'  quoth  the  boy  to  the 
Bishop. 


56  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    RATIONS 

Eagles  fly  alone,  but  sheep  flock  together. 

Eggs  of  an  hour,  fish  of  ten,  bread  of  a  day, 
wine  of  a  year,  a  woman  of  fifteen,  and  a  friend 
of  thirty. 

Either  a  man  or  a  mouse. 
Empty  vessels  make  the  greatest  sound. 
Every  man  is  the  architect  of  his  own  fortune. 
Every  one's  faults  are  not  written  in  his  forehead. 
Every  tub  must  stand  upon  its  own  bottom 

Every  thing  hath  an  end,  and  a  pudding  hath 
two. 

Every  one  knows  how  to  find  fault 

Every  body's  business,  is  no  body's  business. 

Every  good  scholar  is  not  a  good  schoolmaster. 

Every  man  wishes  the  water  to  his  ain  mill. — 
Scotch. 

Every  man  is  best  known  to  nimself. 

Every  dog  has  his  day,  and  every  man  his  hour. 

Every  man  has  his  hobby  horse. 


PROVERBS    OF   ALL   NATIONS  57 


Eternity  has  no  grey  hairs 
Every  thing  would  live. 

'  Every  one  to  his  liking,'  as  the  man  said  when 
he  kissed  his  cow. 

Ever  drunk,  ever  dry 

Every  potter  praises  his  own  pot,  and  more  if 
it  be  broken. 

» 

Every   man   kens   best  where   his  own   shoe 
pinches. — Scotch. 

Every  tooi  can  find  faults  where  a  great  many 
wise  men  can't  mend 

Every  light  is  not  the  sun. 

Every  shoe  fits  not  every  foot. — Scotch. 

Every  one  bastes  the  fat  hog,  while  the  lean 
one  burns. 

Every  man  bows  to  the  bush  he  gets  shelter  of. 

Every  one  praises  the  bridge  tnat  laKes  him 
safely  over. 

Fair  words  and  foul  play  cheat  Doth  the  young 
and  the  old. 


58  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

Faint  heart  never  won  a  fair  lady, 
.fair  maidens  wear  no  purses. — Scotch 

Spoken  when  young  women  offer  to  pay  their  club  in  com- 
pany; which  the  Scots  will  never  allow,  nor  the  English 
either. 

Fair  and  softly  goes  far  in  a  day. 

Fair  words  break  no  Done,  but  foul  words  many 
a  one. 

• 
False  folk  should  have  many  witnesses.— Scotch. 

Fair  in  the  cradle,  foul  in  the  saddle. 

It  is  supposed  that  children  the  most  remarkable  for  beauty 
in  infancy,  are  the  least  so  when  grown  up.  Does  this 
arise  from  improper  indulgence  to  beautiful  children,  or 
do  the  features  and  complexion  alter ;  or  lastly,  do  we 
consider  certain  traits  beautiful  in  childhood  the  contrary 
in  maturity  ? 

Faint  praise  is  disparagement. 

Fetters  of  gold  are  still  fetters,  and  silken  cords 
pinch. 

O  liberty !  thou  goddess  heav'nly  bright ! 
Profuse  of  bliss,  and  pregnant  with  delight, 
Eternal  pleasures  in  thy  presence  reign. 

ADDISON. 

j.t  is  said  the  Scottish  hero,  Sir  William  Wallace,  had  al- 
ways the  following  rhyme,  in  his  mouth : 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  59 


Dico  tibi  verum,  libertas  optima  rerum, 
Nunquam  servilli  sub  nictu  vivito  fill. 

Feeling  has  no  fellow. 

Fine  feathers  make  fine  birds. 

Feed  a  pig  and  you'll  have  a  hog. 

Fie,  fie  !  horse  play  is  not  for  gentlemen. 

Fiddler's  fare— meat,  drink  and  money.— Scotch. 

Fire   and  water  are   good  servants  but  bad 
masters. 

First  come  first  served. 
Forbidden  fruit  is  sweet. 

Fortune    sometimes   favors    those  whom  she 
afterwards  destroys. — Italian. 

Forbid  a  fool  a  thing  and  that  he'll  do. — Scotch. 
Forewarned,  fore-armed. 
For  that  thou  can  do  thyself  rely  not  on  another. 
For  the  rose  the  thorn  is  often  plucked. 
Force  without  forecast  is  little  worth. — Scotch. 
Foul  water  will  quench  fire. 


60  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

For  one  day  of  joy  we  have  a  thousand  ennui. 

Life,  in  the  opinion  of  most  people,  is  a  very  melancholy 
thing,  and  I  suppose  this  is  the  reason  why  so  many 
resort  to  violent  means  to  get  rid  of  it,  or  are  wholly 
careless  about  the  means  to  prolong  existence.  King 
relates,  in  the  "  Anecdotes  of  his  Own  Times,"  that  he 
had  put  the  question  to  many  persons,  whether  they 
would  wish  to  live  their  time  over  again,  experiencing 
exactly  the  same  good  and  evil,  and  that  he  never  met 
with  one  who  replied  in  the  affirmative.  A  king  ot  Ar- 
ragon  said,  There  were  only  four  things  in  the  world 
worth  living  for, — old  wine  to  drink,  old  wood  to  burn, 
old  books  to  read,  and  old  friends  to  converse  with. 
Solomon  pronounced  all  these  to  be  vanity — but  he  was 
no  judge 

For  a  flying  enemy  make  a  silver  bridge.— Span. 

An  enemy  closely  pursued  may  become  desperate :  despair 
makes  even  the  timid  and  cowardly  courageous ;  a  rat, 
with  no  means  for  escape,  will  often  turn  upon  his  assail- 
ants. By  all  means  then  let  the  vanquished  have  a  free 
course. 

Fools  haste  is  no  speed. — Scotch. 
Fools  tie  knots  and  wise  men  loose  them. -Scotch. 
Fools  make  fashions  and  wise  men  follow  them. 
Fools  and  obstinate  people  make  lawyers  rich. 
From  nothing,  nothing  can  come. — French. 
Friendship  cannot  stand  all  on  one  side. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

Frost  and  falsehood  has  ay  foul  hinder  end. — 
Scotch. 

Game  is  cheaper  in  the  market  than  in  the 
fields. 

True!  but  not  half  so  sweet.  That  which  is  won  by  labor 
and  enterprize  is  valued  far  above  what  is  bought  with 
money.  It  is  not  the  game  which  is  prized  so  much,  as 
the  exhilarating  exercise  the  pursuit  of  it  has  afforded.' 

Gentility   without   ability   is   worse   than   plain 
beggary. 

Gentility  sent  to  the  market  will  not  buy  a 
peck  o'  meal. — Scotch. 

Gentry  by  blood  is  bodily  gentry. 

Get  a  name  to  rise  early  and  you  may  lie  all 
day. 

Give  a  new  servant  bread  and  eggs,  but  after 
a  year  bread  and  the  cudgel. — Spanish. 

Give  ne'er  the  wolf  the  wether  to  keep.— Scotch. 
Give  a  man  luck  and  throw  him  into  the  sea. 
Give  the  devil  his  due. 

Give  a  child  his  will,  and  a  whelp  his  fill,  and 
neither  will  thrive. 


62  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS 

Give  a  dog  an'ill  name  and  he'll  soon  be  hang- 
ed.— Scotch. 

Give  him  but  rope  enough  and  he'll  hang  him- 
eelf. 

Good  counsel  has  no  price. — Italian 

Go   noither  to  a  wedding  nor  a  christening 
without  invitation. — Spanish. 

Good  harvests  make  men  prodigal,  bad  ones 
provident. 

Good  riding  at  two  anchors,  for  if  one  breaks 
the  other  may  hold. 

God  sends  meat  and  the  de.vil  sends  cooks. 

Bacon  says,  "Cookery  spoils  "wholesome  meats,  and  renders 
unwholesome  pleasant."  I  wonder  what  that  renowned 
knight  of  the  spit,  and  dripping  pan,  Dr.  Kitchener, 
thinks  of  this. 

Go  into  the  country  to  hear  what  news  in  town. 

God  grant  that  disputes  may  arise,  that  I  may 
live — Spanish. 

A  lawyer's  prayer  for  discord  amongst  his  neighbors. 

Good  to  begin  well,  better  to  end  well. 
God  makes,  and  apparel  shapes. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  63 


God  help  the  poor,  for  the  rich  can  help  them- 
selves . — Scotch. 

God  tempers  the  wind  to  the  shorn  lamb. — 
French. 

Great  barkers  are  nae  biters. — Scotch 

Great  pain  and  little  gain  makes  a  man  soon 
weary. 

Happy  is  he  whose  friends  were  born  before  him. 

Haste  makes  waste,  and  waste  makes  want, 
and  want  makes  strife  between  the  good  man  and 
his  wife. 

He  that  will  not  be  counseled  cannot  be  helped. 
He  has  mickle  prayer  but  little  devotion  .-Scotch. 
He  dances  well  to  whom  fortune  pipes. — Italian. 
He  that  hath  no  money  needeth  no  purse. 

He  gets  a  great  deal  of  credit  who  pays  but  a 
small  debt. — Italian. 

He  that  leaves  certainty  and  sticks  to  chance, 
when  fools  pipe  he  may  dance. 

He  that  chastiseth  one.  amendeth  many. 


04  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

He  that  hath  an  ill  name  is  half  hanged. 
He  is  poor  indeed  that  can  promise  nothing. 

He  that  plants  trees,  loves  others  besides  him- 
self 

He  that  would  know  what  shall  be,  must  con- 
sider what  hath  been. 

He  that  is  warm,  thinks  all  are  so. 

He  who  wants  content  can't  find  an  easy  chair. 

He  who  loses  money,  loses  much ;  he  who  loses 
a  friend,  loses  more ;  but  he  who  loses  his  spirits, 
loses  all. — Spanish. 

He  that  has  no  fools,  knaves,  or  beggars  in 
his  family,  was  got  by  a  flash  of  lightening. 

He  who  has  no  bread  to  spare  should  not  keep 
a  dog. — Spanish 

He  hath  feathered  his  nest  he  may  flee  when 
he  likes.— Scotch. 

He  who  rides  behind  another  does  not  travel 
when  he  pleases. — Spanish. 

He  who  depends  on  another,  dines  ill  and  sups 
worse. 


PROVERBS    OF    A  LLN  AT  IOKS.  65 

He  is  a  good  orator  who  convinces  himself. 

He  who  peeps  through  a  hole  may  see  what 
will  vex  him. 

He  that  licks  honey  from  thorns  paya  too  dear 
for  it. 

Hand  over  head  as  men  took  the  covenant. — 

Scotch. 

Alluding  to  the  manner  in  which  the  covenant,  famous  in 
Scottish  history  was  violently  taken  by  above  sixty 
thousand  persons  about  Edinburgh,  in  1638 ;  a  novel 
circumstance  at  that  time,  though  afterwards  paralleled 
by  the  French  in  voting  by  ACCLAMATION. 

He  who  doth  his  own  business,  defileth  not  his 
fingers. 

He  that  will  steal  a  pin  will  steal  a  better  thing 

He  who  has  but  one  coat  cannot  lend  it. — 
Spanish. 

He  has  fallen  out  of  the  frying-pan  into  the  fire. 

He  who  commences  many  things,  finishes  only 
a  few. — Italian. 

He  who  despises  his  own  life  is  master  of  that 
of  others. 

"What  shall  he  fear,  who  doth  not  fear  death." — SCHILLER. 
5 


66  PROVEKBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS 

He  had  need  have  a  long  s^oon  that  sups  kail 
with  the  de'el. — Scotch. 

He  that  has  one  sheep  in  the  flock  will  like  all 
the  rest  the  better  for  it. — Scotch. 

Spoken  when  we  have  a  son  at  a  particular  school,  univer- 
sity, or  society,  and  we  wish  the  prosperity  of  these 
respective  bodies  on  his  account. 

He  must  needs  run  whom  the  devil  drives. 

He  had  need  rise  betimes  that  would  please 
every  body. 

He  loses  his  thanks  who  promises  and  delays. 

He  that  would  hang  his  dog,  first  gives  out  that 
he  is  mad. 

He  was  scant  o'  news  that  tauld  his  father  was 
hang'd. — Scotch 

He  who  would  have  pleasure  and  pain  must 
begin  to  scratch  himseli. — Spanish. 

He  that  stavs  in  the  valle^  shall  never  get  over 
the  hill. 

He  would  fain  fly  but  wants  feathers 
He  goes  not  out  of  his  wav 


PROVEKBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 


He  who  does  not  kill  hogs  will  not  get  black 
puddings. — Spanish. 

It  is  usual  in  Spain,  when  they  kill  a  hog  to  make  black 
puddings,  to  present  their  neighbors  with  some.  The 
poor  man  without  a  hog  receives  few  of  these  presents. 

He  who  follows  his  own  advice  must  take  the 
consequences. — Spanish. 

Hell  and  chancery  are  always  ooen. 

He  who  serves  is  not  free. 

He  commands  enough  that  obeys  a  wise  man. 

He  who  sows  brambles  must  not  go  barefoot. — 

Spanish. 

He  that  will  not  look  before  him  must  look 
behind  him. — Gaelic. 

He  that  seeks  trouble  it  were  a  pity  he  should 
miss  it. — Scotch. 

He  that  reckons  without  his  host  must  reckon 
again. 

He  that  cannot  pay  let  him  pray 

He  gives  twice  that  gives  in  a  trice. 

He  is  an  ill  guest  that  never  drinks  to  his  host. 


88  PROVERBS    OF    ALL   NATIONS. 


He  knows  best  what  good  is  that  has  endured 
evil. 

He  that  would  live  in  peace  and  rest,  must  hear 
and  see  and  say  the  best. 

He  that  lies  down  with  dogs  must  rise  up  with 
fleas. — Italian. 

He  that  waits  for  dead  men's  shoes  may  go 
long  enough  barefoot. 

He  that  makes  himself  a  sheep  shall  be  eaten 
by  the  wolves. 

He  that  will  have  no  trouble  in  this  world  must 
not  be  born  into  it. 

He  that  knows  himself  best  esteems  himself 
least. 

He  that  goes  a  oorrowing  goes  a  sorrowing. 

H«  that  hath  manv  irons  in  the  fire,  some  of 
them  will  burn. 

He  that  speaks  me  fair  and  loves  me  not,  I'll 
speak  him  fair  and  trust  him  not. 

He  that  does  you  an  ill  turn  will  never  forgive 
you. — Scotch. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  69 


He  that  fears  leaves  must  not  corne  into  a  wood. 

He  who  eats  the  meat,  let  him  pick  the  bone. 
Spanish. 

He  has  found  a  last  to  his  shoe. — Spanish. 

That  is,  he  has  met  with  his  match. 

He  that  wad  eat  the  Kernel  maun  crack  the  nut. 

He  that  cannot  find  wnerewith  to  employ  him- 
self, let  him  buy  a  ship  or  marry  a  wife. — Spanish. 

He  that  ill  did,  never  good  believed 

He  who  thinks  he  knows  the  most  knows  the 
le  as  t . — Italian. 

He  who  at  twenty  does  not  understand,  at 
thirty  does  not  know,  and  at  forty  is  poor,  will 
have  a  wretched  old  age. — Spanish. 

He  that  is  ill  to  himself  will  be  good  to  nobody. 
-Scotch. 

He  who  deals  with  a  blockhead  has  need  of 
much  brains. — Spanish. 

He  who  desires  to  sleep  soundly,  let  him  buy 
the  bed  of  a  bankrupt. — Spanish. 

Implying  that  that  description  of  persons  have  generally 
soft  and  luxurious  couches. 


70  PROVERBS    OF   ALL   NATIONS. 

He  who  is  well  and  seeks  ill,  if  it  comes  God 
help  him. — Spanish. 

Home  is  home  though  it  be  ever  so  homely. 
Hope  is  a  good  breakfast  but  a  bad  supper. 

Hopes   delayed  hang  the   heart  upon   tenter 
hooks. 

Hope  defered  makes  the  heart  sick. 
Honor  and  ease  are  seldom  bedfellows. 
Human  blood  is  all  of  one  color. 

If  you  trust  before  you  try,  you  may  repent 
before  yon  die. 

If  we  have  not  the  world's  wealth,  we  have  the 
world's  ease. — Scotch. 

Spoken  of  those  who  live  happily  in  a  mean  condition. 

If  wishes  would  bide  beggars  would  ride. 

If  things  were  to  be  done  twice,  all  would  be 
wise. 

If  all  the  fools  wore  white  caps,  we  should  look 
like  a  flock  of  geese. 

If  a  fool  have  success  it  ruins  him 


PKOVEKBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  71 

If  wise  men  play  the  fool,  they  do  it  with  a 
vengeance. 

If  you  would  have  a  good  servant  take  neither 
a  kinsman  nor  a  friend. 

In  sleep  what  difference  is  there  between  Solo- 
mon and  a  fool. 

If  you  want  a  pretence  to  whip  a  dog,  it  is 
enough  to  say  he  eat  up  the  frying-pan 

If  it  can  be  nae  better  it  is  weel  it  is  nae  waur. 
— Scotch. 

If  it  were  not  for  hope  the  heart  would  break. 
If  the  riky  falls  we  shall  catch  larks. — French. 

In  ridicule  of  those  who  talk  of  doing  many  things,  if  cer- 
tain other  things,  cot  likely,  were  to  happen. 

If  you  cannot  bite  never  show  your  teeth. 
Ill  weeds  grow  apace. 
Ill  got,  ill  spent. 

If  you  would  wish  the  dog  to  follow  you,  feed 
him. 

If  you  lie  upon  roses  when  young,  you'll  lie 
upon  thorns  when  old 


72  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

If  you  had  had  fewer  friends,  and  more  enemies, 
you  had  been  a  better  man. 

If  young  men  had  wit,  and  old  men  strength 
enough,  all  might  be  well 

If  you  would  have  a  thing  kept  secret,  never 
tell  it  to  any  one ;  and  if  you  would  not  have  a 
thing  known  of  you,  never  do  it. 

I  weot  when  I  was  born,  and  every  day  shows 
why 

I  like  na  to  mak  a  toil  o'  a  pleasure. — Scotch. 
I  love  my  friends  well,  but  myself  better. 
Ill-will  never  spoke  well. — Scotch. 
Ill  doers,  ill  deemers. — Scotch 

111  would  the  fat  sow  fare  on  the  Drimroses  of 
the  wood. — Gaelic. 

I'm  no  every  man's  dog  that  whistles  on  me. — 
Scotch. 

In  a  calm  sea  every  man  is  a  nilot. 

T'll  not  buy  a  pig  in  a  poke. 

In  giving  and  taking  it  is  easy  mistakinff 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIOXS.  73 


In  a  country  of  blind  people,  the  one-eyed  man 
is  a  king. — Spanish. 

In  the  forehead  and  the  eye,  the  lecture  of  the 
mind  doth  lie. — Lat. 

In  a  thousand  pounds  of  law  there  is  not  an 
ounce  of  love. 

Its  a  wise  child  that  knows  its  own  father. — 
Homer's  Odyssey. 

It  is  a  miserable  sight  to  see  a  poor  man  proud, 
and  a  rich  man  avaricious. — Italian. 

It  is  too  late  to  complain  when  the  thing  is 
done . — Italian . 

It's  time  to  set  when  the  oven  comes  to  the 
dough. 

It  is  better  to  do  well  than  to  say  well. — Italian. 

It  is  good  to  fear  the  worst,  the  best  will  save 
itself. 

It's  an  ill  horse  that  will  not  carry  his  own 
provender. 

It  is  very  hard  to  snare  an  egg. 

It  is  not  the  cowl  that  makes  the  friar. 


74  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

It  is  easy  to  take  a  man's  part,  but  the  matter 
is  to  maintain  it. — Gaelic. 

It  is  an  ill  cause  the  lawyer  thinks  shame  o'. — 
Scotch. 

It  is  not  easy  to  straight  in  the  oak  the  crook 
that  grew  in  the  sapling. — Gaelic. 

Its  a  foolish  sheep  that  makes  the  wolf  its  con- 
fessor.— Italian. 

Its  a  base  thing  to  tear  a  dead  lion's  beard  off. 

If  the  parson  De  from  home,  be  content  with 
the  curate. 

It  is  good  going  on  foot  wnen  a  man  has  a  norse 
in  his  hand. 

It  is  not  much  to  give  a  leg  to  him  who  gave 
you  the  fowl. — Spanish. 

It  is  dear  bought  that  is  bought  with  prayers. — 
Italian. 

It  is  right  to  put  every  thing  to  its  proper  use. 
— Gaelic. 

It's  better  to  be  nappy  than  wise 
It  is  a  long  lane  that  has  no  turning. 


PROVERBS    OP    ALL    NATIONS  75 


It  is  good  fishing  in  troubled  waters. 

It's  too  late  to  spare  when  the  bottom  is  bare. 

I'ts  not  good  to  wake  a  sleeping  lion. 

It  avails  little  to  the  unfortunate  to  be  brave. — 
Spanish. 

Tt  is  ill  angling  after  the  net. 

It's  an  ill  cause  that  none  dare  speak  in.— Scotch. 

1  cannot  sell  the  cow  and  have  the  milk.— Scotch. 

It's  good  to  cry  yule  (Christmas)  at  other  men's 
cost. 

It  is  an  ill  battle  where  the  devil  carries  the 
colors. 

It  is  not  the  burthen,  but  the  over  burthen  that 
kills  the  beast. — Spanish. 

If  pride  were  an  art,  there  would  be   many 
teachers. — Italian. 

It  is  hard  to  bring  out  of  the  flesh  what  is  bred 
in  the  bone. — Scotch. 

I   was  well,  would  be  better,  took  physic,  and 
here  I  am. 

Written  on  a  man's  tomb-stone. 


78  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

Italy  to  be  born  in,  France  to  live  in,  and  Spain 
to  die  in. 

Just  as  it  falls,  quoth  the  wooer  to  the  maid.— 
Scotch. 

Kelly  gives  a  ludicrous  account  of  the  origin  of  this  saying 
A  courtier  went  to  woo  a  maid;  she  was  dressing  supper 
with  a  drop  at  her  nose;  she  asked  him  if  he  would  stay 
all  night,  he  answered,  Just  as  it  falls:  meaning  if  the 
drop  fell  among  the  meat  he  would  be  off;  if  it  fell  by, 
he  would  stay. 

Judge  not  of  a  ship  as  she  lies  on  the  stocks. 

Keep  yourself  from  the  anger  of  a  great  man, 
from  the  tumult  of  a  mob,  from  a  man  of  ill  fame, 
from  a  widow  that  lias  been  thrice  married,  from 
a  wind  that  comes  in  at  a  hole,  and  from  a  recon- 
ciled enemy. 

Keep  your  purse  and  your  mouth  close. 
Keep  no  more  cats  than  will  catch  mice. 
Kindness  will  creep  when  it  cannot  go. — Scotch. 
Lawyer's  houses  are  built  on  the  heads  of  fools. 

Lawyer's  gowns  are  lined  with  the  wilfulness 
of  their  clients. 

Let  not  your  tongue  cut  your  throat. — Italian 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL   NATIONS.  77 

Learning  makes  a  man  fit  company  for  himself. 
Let  them  fry  in  their  own  grease. 
Lean  liberty  is  better  than  fat  slavery. 
Leave  a  jest  when  it  pleases  you  best. — Span. 
Let  them  laugh  that  win. 

Give  losers  leave  to  speak  and  -winners  leave  to  laugh, 
for  if  you  do  not  they  -will  take  it. 

Let  every  man  praise  the  bridge  he  goes  over. 

Let  him  not  look  for  me  at  home,  who  can 
meet  me  in  the  market-place. — Spanish. 

Jlf-conuucnding  persons  to  keep  their  domestic  establish- 
ments free  from  intrusion,  especially  when  they  have 
places  set  apart  for  public  business. 

Less  of  your  courtesy,  and  more  of  your  coin. 

Like  the  tailor  of  Campillo,  who  worked  for 
nothing  and  found  thread. — Spanish. 

Life  without   a  friend,  death  without   a  wit- 
ness.— Spanish. 

Like  the  dog  in  the  manger,  he  will  neither 
do  nor  let  do. 

Little  said  is  soon  mended,  and  a  little  gear  is 
soon  sDended. — Scotch. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATlOiW. 

Little  and  often  fills  the  purse. — Italian. 
Little  strokes  fell  great  oaks. 

Look  before  you  leap,  for  snakes  among  sweet 
flowers  do  creep. 

Lookers  on  see  more  than  players. 

Love  thine  neighbor,  but  pull  not  down  thine 
hedge. 

Make  not  thy  tail  broader  than  thy  wings. 

Keep  not  too  many  attendants. 

Make  your  affairs  Known  in  the  market-place, 
and  one  will  call  them  black  and  another  white. 
— Spanish. 

Make  the  best  of  a  bad  bargain. 
Make  a  virtue  of  necessity. 

Many  soldiers  are  brave  at  table,  who  are 
cowards  in  the  field. — Italian. 

Many  irons  in  the  fire,  some  may  burn.-Scotch. 

Many  masters,  quoth  the  toad  to  the  harrow, 
when  every  tooth  gave  her  a  blow. — Scotch. 

Many  ways  to  kill  a  dog  and  not  to  hang 
him. — Scotch. 


ROVEKBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  79 

Many  kiss  the  hands  they  wish  to  see  cut  off. 

Many  children  and  little   bread  is   a  painful 
pie  asure . — Spanish . 

Many  slips  between  the  cup  and  the  lip. 

This  is  in  Kelly's  collection,  as  a  genuine  Scotch,  though 
an  old  Greek  proverb ;  implying  that  a  project  may  be 
spoiled  just  at  the  point  of  consummation. 

Many  hands  make  light  work. 

Many  go  out  for  wool  and  come  home  shorn. — 
Spanish. 

Many  talk   of  Robin   Hood   that  never   shot 
with  his  bow. 

Many  a  true  word  is  sooken  in  jest. 

Masters  are  mostly  the  greatests  servants  in 
the  house.  % 

Many  a  good  cow  hath  a  bad  calf. 
Masters  grow  poor  and  servants  suffer. — Span. 
Many  littles  make  a  mickle. 
Misfortunes  seldom  come  alone. 
Misunderstanding  brings  lies  to  town 
Most  haste,  worst  speed. 


80  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

Mother's  darlings  make  but   milk-sop  heroes. 

More  fools  more  fun 

More  words  than  one  to  a  bargain. 

Most  men  cry  '  Long  live  the  conqueror.' 

Much  would  have  more  and  lost  all. 

Much  is  wanting  where  much  is  desired. — Ital. 

Much   coin,   much    care ;    much  meat,   much 
malady. 

My  cow  gives  a  good  mess  of  milk,  and  tnen 
kicks  it  over. 

Nature  takes  as  much  pains  in  the  womb  for 
the  forming  of  a  beggar,  as  an  emperor. 

A  fine  argument  for  the  natural  equality  of  man,  which 
I  think  is  not  to  he  found  in  the  writings  of  Paine. 
But  though  nature  has  followed  the  saine  process  in  the 
manufacture  of  us  all,  it  does  not  follow  that  all  her 
•work  is  equally  well  TCRXED  OUT.  There  can  be  no  doubt 
that  some  of  us  are  naturally  endowed  with  better  mem- 
ories, better  judgments,  greater  reasoning  powers,  and 
greater  physical  strength,  than  others;  and  of  course, 
these  differences  will  make  differences  in  our  individual 
fortunes  and  social  condition.  I  cannot  see  how  the 
advocates  of  the  natural  equality  of  mankind  can  get 
over  this  distinction. 

Nae  great  loss  but  there  is  some  gane. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  81 


Nothing  venture,  nothing  have. 

Never  scald  your  lips  in  other  folk's  broth. 

Never  quit  certainty  for  hope. — Scotch. 

Neither  beg  of  him  who  has  been  a  beggar, 
nor  serve  him  who  has  been  a  servant. — Span. 

Need  makes  the  old  wife  trot. 
No  pot  so  ugly  as  not  to  Una  a  cover. — Italian. 
Nothing  so  bad  as  not  to  be  good  for  something. 
No  smoke  without  some  fire. 

No  condition  so   low,  but   may  have   hopes ; 
none  so  high,  but  may  have  fears. 

None  is  a  fool  always,  every  one  sometimes. 
None  but  great  men  can  do  great  mischief. 
Nothing  that  is  violent  is  permanent. 

Nobody  so  like  an  nonest  man  as  an  arrant 
knave. 

No  jesting  with  edge  tools,  or  with  bell  ropes. 
No  longer  pipe,  no  longer  dance. 

No  alchemy  equal  to  saving 
6 


82  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

None  of  you  knows  where  the  shoe  pinches. 

The  answer  of  Paulus  JEmilius  to  the  relations  of  his 
wife,  when  they  remonstrated  with  him  on  his  determi- 
nation to  separate  himself  from  her,  against  whom  no 
fault  could  be  alleged. 

Nothing  so  bold  as  a  blind  man. 
No  grass  grows  at  tne  market-place. 

A  proverb  applied  to  a  certain  description  of  females. 

No   fault,   but  she   sets   a  bonnet  much   too 
weel. — Scotch. 

That  is  the  servant,  which  makes  the  wife  a  little  jealous, 
lest  her  good  man  should  be  tempted  astray. 

Novelty  always  appears  handsome. 

No  living  man  all  things  can. 

No  rose  without  a  thorn. 

None  can  feel  the  weight  of  another's  burden. 

Now  I  have  got  a  ewe  ana  a  lamb,  every  one 
cries — Welcome,  Peter! 

Of  a  little  take  a  little. — Scotch. 

Of  young  men  die  many ;  of  old  men  escape 
not  any. 

Oil  and  truth  will  set  uppermost  at  last. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  83 

Of  an  ill  pay-master  get  what  you  can,  though 
it  be  but  a  straw. 

Old  foxes  want  no  tutors. 

One  eye  witness  is  better  than  ten  hear-says. 
— French. 

Once  a  use  and  ever  a  custom. 

One  dog  is  better  by  another  dog  being  hang- 
ed.— Gaelic. 

One  may  live  and  learn. 

One  might  as  well  be  out  of  the  world,  as  be 
beloved  by  nobody  in  it. 

One  man's  meat  is  another  man's  poison. 
One  may  sooner  fall  than  rise. — French. 
One  fool  in  a  house  is  enough  in  all  conscience. 

One  half  of  the  world  kens  not  how  the  other 
half  lives. — Scotch. 

One  beats  the  bush  and  another  catcheth  the 
bird. 

One  doth  the  scath  and  another  hath  the  scorn 
One  scabbed  sheep  infects  the  flock. 


84  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

One   swallow   makes   not   a   spring,  nor  one 
woodcock  a  winter. 

One  year  a  nurse  and  seven  years  the  worse. 
One  story  is  good  till  another  is  told. 

One  fool  makes  many. — Scotch. 

By  diverting  them  from  their  proper  business,  as  is  often 
observed,  in  the  streets  of  the  metropolis,  where,  if  a 
person  only  holds  up  his  finger,  a  thousand  will  be 
instantly  withdrawn  from  their  proper  avocations  to 
inquire  into  the  canse  of  it. 

One  foolish  act  may  undo  a  man,  and  a  timely 
one  make  his  fortune. —  Gaelic. 

One  is  not  so  soon  healed  as  hurt 

One  man  may  better  steal  a  horse  than  another 
look  over  the  hedge. 

One  thief  makes  a  hundred  suffer. — Spanish. 
Open  confession  is  good  for  the  soul. — Scotch. 
Out  of  sight,  out  of  mind. — Dutch. 

Opportunity  makes  the  thief. 

The  ITALIANS  say,  "  Ad  area  aperta  il  giusto  pecca :" 
Where  a  chest  lies  open  a  righteous  man  may  sin.  The 
SPANIARDS  say,  "  Puerta  abierta,  al  santo  tienta  :"  The 
open  door  tempts  the  saint.  A  good  caution  to  hus- 
bands, masters,  and  housekeepers. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  85 


One  mad  action   is   not  enough   to  prove   a 
man  mad. 

Patience  is  a  plaister  for  all  sores. 

Patch  by  patch  is  good  husbandry,  but  patch 
upon  patch  is  plain  beggary. 

Pigs  love  that  lie  together 

Plain  dealing  is  dead,  and  died  without  issue. 

Pleasing  ware  is  half  sold 

Pleasant  company  alone  makes  this  life  toler- 
able.— Spanish. 

Plenty  makes  dainty. 

Plough   or  not   Plough,  you  must  pay  your 
rent. — Spanish. 

Practice  makes  perfect 

Praise  without  profit,  puts  little  in  the  pocket. 

Prate  is  prate,  but  it  is  the  duck  that  lays 
the  egg. 

Praise  not  the  day  before  night. 

Pride,   perceiving    humility    honorable,   often 
borrows  her  cloak. 


66  PROVERBS    OF    ALL   NATIONS. 

Policy  goes  beyond  strength. — French. 
Pride  goes  before  and  shame  follows  after. 

Pride  will  have  a  fall. 

Pour  not  water  on  a  drowned  mouse. 

Add  not  affliction  to  misery 

Put  not  a  naked  sword  in  a  madman's  hand. 

For  they  will  abuse  it  to  their  own  and  others'  harm 

Put  your  finger  in   the  fire   and   say  it  was 
your  fortune. — Scotch. 

A.  bitter  sarcasm  on  those  who  ascribe  the  want  01  suc- 
cess in  life  to  fortune.  Dame  Fortune  ought  long  since 
to  have  gone  to  oblivion,  with  the  rest  of  the  heathen 
mythology;  her  smiles  and  frowns  ought  never  to  be 
alluded  to,  except  in  verse — never  in  prose  or  conver- 
sation. What  is  frequently  ascribed  to  ill-luck,  is  often 
nothing  more  than  a  want  of  foresight,  prudence,  in- 
dustry, or  perseverance: — these  are  the  qualities  that 
make  men  rich,  prosperous,  and  happy. 

Put    off   your    armor,    and    then    show   your 
courage. 

Put  a  coward  to  his  metal,  and  he'll  fight  like 
the  devil. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  87 

Raise  no  more  spirits  than  you  can  conjure 
down. 

Remove  an  old  tree  and  it  will  wither  to  death. 
Remember  the  reckoning. 

Riches   in    the    Indies,  wit   in   Europe,  pomp 
among  the  Ottomans. —  Turkish. 

Rome  was  not  built  in  a  day 

Save  a  thief  from  the  gallows  and  he  will  be 
the  first  to  cut  your  throat. 

Saying  and  doing  are  two  things. 

Say  well  is  good,  but  do  well  is  better. 

Say  nothing  of  my  debts  unless  you  mean  to 
pay  them. 

Sampson  was  a  strong  man,  yet  he  could  not 
pay  money  before  he  had  it. 

Scorning  is  catching. 

Send  not  for  a  hatchet  to  break  open  an  egg 
with. 

Seldom  seen,  soon  forgotten. 
Service  is  no  inheritance. 


88  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

Seven  hours'  sleep  make  a  clown  forget  his 
design. 

Secret  joys  are  like  an  extinguished  candle. — 
Spanish. 

Solitary  joy  is  the  most  melancholy  thing  in  the  world. 
If  we  have  any  thing  to  rejoice  at,  let  us  rejoice  with 
our  friends  and  acquaintance.  When  I  get  a  prize  in 
the  lottery,  or  my  uncle  dies,  and  leaves  me  a  thousand 
pounds, — 

"Then  I'll  sit  down:  give  me  some  wine; 

I  drink  to  the  general  joy  of  the  whole  table!" 

Seek  till  you  find  and  you  will  not  lose  your 
labor. 

Serve  a  great  man  and  you  will  know  wnat 
sorrow  is. — Spanish. 

Set  the  saddle  on  the  right  horse. 

Set  a  beggar  on  horseback  and  he'll  ride  to 
the  devil. 

Shallow  waters  make  most  noise. — Scotch. 

Still  water  runs  deep. 

Sharp  stomachs  make  short  graces. 

Sly  knavery  is  to  hard  for  honest  wisdom. 

Short  reckonings  make  long  friends. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  89 


Shameless    craving  must  have  shameless  re- 
fusing. 

Since  you  know  every  thing,  and  I  know  noth- 
ing, pray  tell  me  what  I  dreamed  this  morning 

Slander  always  leaves  a  slur. 

Throw  much  dirt  and  some  will  stick 

Small  rain  lays  a  great  dust. 

Some  are  wise  and  some  are  otherwise. 

Some  good  things  I  do  not  love ;   a  good  long 
mile,  good  small  beer,  and  a  good  old  woman. 

Sorrow  and  an  evil  life  make  soon  an  old  wife. 

Sorrow   and   ill  weather   come   unsent  for. — 
Scotch. 

Soon  hot,  soon  cold. 

Soon  ripe,  soon  rotten. 

Spare  to  speak  and  spare  to  speed. 

Surgeons  must   have  an  eagle's  eye,  a  lion's 
heart,  and  a  lady's  hand. 

Success  makes  a  fool  seem  wise. 
Sudden  trust  brings  sudden  repentance. 


90  PROVERBS    OP    ALL    NATIONS. 

Such  as  the  tree  is,  such  is  the  fruit. 
Tailors  and  authors  must  mind  the  fashion. 

Take  heed  01    an  ox    before,  an  ass  behind, 
and  a  monk  on  all  sides. — Spanish. 

Take    heed    you    find    not    that   you   do   not 
seek. — Italian. 

Take  time  while  time  is,  for  time  will  away. 
— Scotch. 

Take  time  by  the  forelock. 

Talk  of  the  war,  but  do  not  go  to  it. — Spanish. 

Tell   me  with  whom   thou   goest,  and   I  will 
tell  thee  what  thou  doest. 

That  city  cannot  prosper  where  an  ox  is  sold 
for  less  than  a  fish. 

As  was  the  case  with  ancient  Rome  at  the  commence- 
ment of  her  decline.  It  alludes  to  the  state  of  luxury 
which  usually  precedes  the  downfall  of  nations. 

That  is  well  spoken  that  is  well  taken. 

That    pilgrim  is  base   that   speaks   ill  of  his 
staff. — Spanish. 

That    is  but   an  empty  purse  that  is  full  of 
other  folks'  money. 


PROVERBS    OP    ALL    NATIONS.  91 

That  which   has  its  value  from  fancy  is   not 
very  valuable. 

That  which  covers  thee,  discovers  thee. 

Intimating  that  external  splendor  and  "wealth,  without 
merit,  only  more  expose  the  unworthiness  of  the  pos- 
sessor. 

That  must  be  true  which  all  men  say. 

The  first  pig,  but  the  last  whelp  of  the  litter 
is  best. 

There  is  no  fishing  for  trout  in  dry  breeches. 


The  chickens  are   the  country's,  but  the  city 
eats  them. 

The  biggest  horses  are  not  the  best  travelers. 

The  cow  knows  not  the  value  of  her  tail  till 
•«he  has  lost  it. 

The  difference   is   wide   that  the   sheets  will 
not  decide. 

The.  frying  pan   said   to  the  kettle,  Avaunt, 
black  brows. 

The  brains  of  a  fox  will  be  of  little  service 
if  you  olav  with  the  paw  of  a  lion. 


92  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

The  complaints  of  the  present  times  is  the 
general  complaint  of  all  times. 

The  ass  that  carries  wine  drinks  water. 
The  golden  age  never  was  the  present  age. 

The  eye  that  sees  all  things  else,  sees  not 
itself. 

The  little  wimble  will  let  in  tae  great  auger. 

The  wise  hand  does  not  all  the  foolish  tongue 
speaks. 

The  pleasures  of  the  great  are  the  tears  of 
the  poor. 

The  fox  is  very  cunning,  but  he  is  more  cun- 
ning that  catches  him. — Spanish. 

The  dog  wags  his  tail  not  for  you;  but  for 
the  bread. 

The  lower  mill-stone  grinds  as  well  as  the 
upper. 

The  absent  party  is  always  faulty. 

The  Italian  is  wise  before  he  undertakes  a 
thing,  the  German  while  he  is  doing  it,  and  the 
Frenchman  when  it  is  over. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  93 

The  hog  never  looks  up  to  him  that  threshes 
down  the  acorns. 

The  worst  pig  often  gets  the  best  pear. 

The  Englishman  weeps,  the  Irishman  sleeps, 
but  the  Scotchman  goes  while  he  gets  it 

The  submitting  to  one  wrong  brings  on  anoth- 
er.— Spanish. 

The  more  the   merrier,  the  fewer  the  better 
cheer. 

The  remedy  of  to-morrow  is  too  late  for  the 
«vil  of  to-day. — Spanish. 

The  ox  when  weariest  treads  surest. 

Those  that  are  slow  are  sure. 

The   mouse   that  has  but  one  hole  is  easily 
taken. 

The  pitcher  does  not  go  so  often  to  the  water 
but  it  comes  home  broken  at  last. 

The  devil  is  good  when  he  is  pleased. 

The  fairest  rose  at  last  is  withered. 

The  proof  of  the  oudding  is  in  the  eating. 

The  weakest  must  go  to  the  wall. 


94  PROVERBS    OF    ALL   NATIONS. 

The  whole  ocean  is  made  up  of  single  drops. 

The  way  to  Babylon  will  never  bring  you  to 
Jerusalem. 

The  butcher  looked  for  his  knife  when  he  had 
it  in  his  mouth. 

The  dearest  child  of  all  is  that  which  is  dead. 
The  master's  eye  makes  the  horse  fat. 

A  fat  man  riding  upon  a  lean  horse,  was  asked  how  it 
came  to  pass  that  he  was  so  fat  and  his  horse  so  lean  ? 
"  Because,"  says  he,  "  I  feed  myself,  but  my  servant 
feeds  my  horse." 

The  last  drop  makes  tne  cup  run  over. 
The  sweetest  wine  makes  the  sharpest  vinegar. 

The  friar  preached  against  stealing  when  he 
had  a  pudding  in  his  sleeve. 

The  great  thieves  punish  the  little  ones. 
The  informer  is  the  worst  rogue  of  the  two. 
The  least  boy  always  carries  the  great  fiddle. 

All  lay  the  load  upon  those  that  are  least  able  to  bear 
it,  or  have  the  least  means  of  defending  themselves. 

The  Jews  spend  at  Easter,  the  Moors  at  mar- 
riages, and  the  Christians  in  suits  of  law. — ltd. 


PRO  VERBS    OF    ALL    NAT  IONS.  95 

The  higher  the  standing  the  lower  the  fall. 

The  worth  of  a  thing  is  best  known  by  the 
want  of  it. — Scotch. 

The  better  day,  the  better  deed. 

The  longest  day  must  have  a  great  end. 

The  crow  thinks  her  own  bird  the  fairest. 

The  Ethiopians  are  said  to  paint  the  devil  white,  and  of 
course,  angels  black.  Every  one  is  partial  to  his  own  ; 
his  own  art,  his  own  compositions,  his  children,  and 
country.  Self-love  is  a  mote  in  every  one's  eye ;  and 
hence  we  not  unfrequently  observe,  even  the  modest 
and  perspicacious  devour,  without  suspicion,  the  most 
fulsome  flattery,  when  lavished  on  their  own  imaginary 
virtues  and  perfections. 

The  burnt  child  dreads  the  fire. 

The  higher  the  ape  goes  the  more  ne  shows 
his  tail. 

Honor  is  unseemly  for  a  fool. — PROV.  xxvi.  1 

The  oest  payment  is  the  peck  bottom. — Scotch. 

That  is,  when  you  have  measured  out  your  grain  to  re- 
ceive your  payment  on  the  peck  that  measured  it. 

The  usual  forms  of  civility  oblige  no  man 

The  gree*°««t  king  must  at  last  go  to  bed  with 
a  shovel. 


96  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

The  best  thing  in  the  world  is  to  live  above  it. 
The  shortest  answer  is  doing  the  thing. 

The  mouse  is  mistress  of  her  own  mansion. — 
Gaelic. 

The  man  that  is  happy  in  all  things,  is  more 
rare  than  the  Phoenix. — Italian. 

The  remedy  is  worse  than  the  disease. — Scotch 

The  wise  man  knows  he  knows  nothing,  the 
fool  thinks  he  knows  all. — Italian. 

The  tears  of  the  congregation  are  the  praises 
of  the  minister. — Italian. 

The  more  you  stroke  pussy's  back,  the  higher 
she  raises  her  tail. — Gaelic. 

The  burden  which  was  thoughtlessly  got  must 
be  patiently  borne. — Gaelic. 

The  oldest  man  that  ever  lived  died  at  last. — 
Gaelic. 

Three  removes  are  as  bad  as  a  fire. 

There    is  more    hope  of  a   fool   than   a  man 
wise  in  his  own  conceit. 

They  that  hide  can  find. 


PROVERBS    OP    ALL    NATIONS.  97 


There  is  no  disputing  of  tastes  appetites,  and 
fancies. 

There   is   something  in    it,  quoth  the  fellow, 
when  he  drank  dishclout  and  all. 

There  is  none  so  deaf  as  those  tnat  will  not 
hear. — Italian . 

There  would  be   no  ill  language,  u  it  were 
not  ill  taken. 

They  whip  the  cat  if  the   mistress  does  not 
spin. — Spanish. 

The  innocent  often  suffer  for  the  negligence  and  indolence 
of  others. 

They  need  much  whom  nothing  will  content. 

They  shall  have  no  more  of  our  prayers  than 
we  of  their  pies,  quoth  the  vicar  of  Layton. 

They    love   me    for   little    that  hate    me   for 
naught. — Scotch. 

There  is  nothing  agrees  worse  than  a  proud 
mind  and  a  beggar's  purse. 

There  is  no  quenching  of  fire  with  tow. 

There  could  be  no  great  ones,  if  there  were 
no  little  ones  7 


98  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

There  is  never  enough  where  nought  leaves. — 
Italian. 

There  is  no  general  rule  without  exceptions. 

They  that  sell   kids  and  have  no  goats,  how 
came  they  by  them! 

Things  unreasonable  are  never  durable. — ItaL 

Though  the  sun  shines,  leave  not  your  cloak 
at  home. 

Three  may  keep  counsel  if  two  be  away.— Sco. 
Thistles  are  a  salad,  for  asses. — Scotch, 
Think  much,  speak  little,  and  write  less. 
Though  old  and  wise,  yet  still  advise. 
Thinking  is  very  far  from  knowing. 

Though  all  men  were  made  of  one  metal,  yet 
were  they  not  all  cast  in  the  same  mould. 

Time  and  tide  stay  for  no  man. 

Three  things  cost  dear :  the  caresses  of  a  dog, 
the  love  of  a  mistress,  and  the  invasion  of  a  host. 

To   take  from  a  soldier  ambition,  is   to  take 
off  his  spurs. 


PROVERBS    OF   ALL   NATIONS.  9g 

Time  is  a  file  that  wears  and  makes  no  noise. 
To  strain  at  a  gnat  and  swallow  a  camel. 

To  promise  and  give  nothing,  is  comfort  for 
a  fool. 

To  travel  safely  through  the  world,  a  man 
must  have  a  falcon's  eye,  an  ass's  ears,  an  ape's 
face,  a  merchant's  words,  a  camel's  back,  a  hog's 
mouth,  and  a  hart's  legs. — Italian. 

To  throw  pearls  before  swine. 

To  hang  every  door  with  May. — Italian. 

An  elegant  allusion  to  the  universal  lover.  It  is  taken 
from  the  custom  of  country  people  in  Italy,  who,  in 
the  mouth  of  May,  plant  u  honjjh  la-fore  the  door  of 
their  mistress.  A  similar  custom  picruilcd  in  England, 
as  we  learn  from  Slowe. 

To  set  the  fox  to  keep  the  geese. — Italian. 
To  lather  an  ass's  head  is  only  wasting  soap. 

To  expect  and  not  to  come  ;  to  be  in  bed  and 
not  to  sleep ;  to  serve  and  not  to  please ;  are 
three  things  enough  to  kill  a  man. — Italian. 

To-day — me,  to-morrow, — thee. 

To  what  place  can  the  ox  go  where  ne  must 
not  plough? — Spanish. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL   NATIONS. 

To  borrow  on  usury  brings  sudden  beggary. 
Trust  not  a  norse's  heel  nor  a  dog's  tooth. 

Trust  not  the  praise  of  a  friend,  nor  the  con- 
tempt of  an  enemy. — Italian. 

Two  eyes  are  better  than  one. — French. 
Two  of  a  trade  seldom  agree. 

Two   cats    and    a  mouse,  two  wives   in   one 
house,  two  dogs  and  a  bone,  never  agree  in  one. 

Two  things  a  man  should  never  be  angry  at  :-- 
what  he  can  help,  and  what  he  cannot  help. 

Venture  not  all  in  one  bottom. 
Water  run  by.  will  not  turn  a  mill. — Spanish. 
Wanton  killcn.s   may  make  sober  old  cats. 
We  must  live  by  the  quick,  not  by  the  deaa. 

We  are  all  of  Adam's  children,  but  silk  makes 
the  difference 

We  think  lawyers  to  be  wise  men,  and  they 
know  us  to  be  fools. 

We  are  never  so  happy  or  unfortunate  as  we 
think  ourselves. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  101 

Weak  men  and  cowards  are  commonly  wily. 

We    are    born    crying,  live   complaining,  and 
die  disappointed. 

Well  lathered  is  half  shaven. 
Weigh  right,  if  you  sell  dear. 

Welcome  death,  quoth  the  rat,  when  the  trap 
fell  down. 

Was  it  not  for  hope  the  heart  would  break. — 
Scotch. 

WThat  is  the  use  of  patience  if  we  cannot  find 
it  when  we  want  it  ? 

What  the  eye  sees  need  not  to  be  guessed  at. 
What  good  can  it  do  an  ass  to  be  called  a  loin? 

What  a  dust  A  have  raised,  quoth  the  fly  on 
the  wheel. 

What  cannot  be  cured  must  be  endured. 

What  is  gotten  over  the  devil's  back  is  spent 
under  his  belly. 

What  a  man  desires  he  easily  believes. 
What?  keep  a  dog  and  bark  myself 


108  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

What  is  bought  is  cheaper  than  a  gift. 

What  your  glass  tells  you,  will  not  be  told  by 
counsel. 

What  enjoyment!   to   have   little   to  eat   and 
keep  a  servant. — Spanish. 

What  is  none  of  my  profit  shall  be  none  of 
my  peril. — Scotch 

What  may  be  done  at  any  time  will  be  done 
at  no  time. — Scotch 

What  I  cannot  do  by  might  I'll  do  by  slight. 
What  is  done  in  the  night  appears  in  the  day. 
When  the  cat  is  away  the  mice  will  play. 
When  the  wine  is  in,  the  wit  is  out. 

When  rogues  fall   out,  honest  men  come  by 
their  own. 

When  the  shoulder  of  mutton  is  going,  it  is 
good  to  take  a  slice. 

When  the  horse  is  stolen  the  stable  door  is  shut. 
The  Italians  say,  "Every  ditch  is  full  of  your  after-wits." 

When  a  lacquey  comes  to  hell  the  devil  locks 
the 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  103 

When  the  barn  is  full  you  may  thresh  before 
the  door. 

When  you  have  plenty  of  money,  tnere  is  no  need  of  ob- 
scurity ;  you  may  live  openly,  and  in  society. 

When  every  hand  fleeceth,  the  sheep  go  naked. 

When  you  are  all  agreed  upon  the  time,  quoth 
the  Vicar,  I'll  make  it  rain. 

When  two  friends  have  a  common  purse,  one 
sings  and  the  other  weeps. 

When  the  sun  shines,  nobody  minds  him;  but 
when  he  is  eclipsed,  all  consider  him. 

When  good  cheer  is  lacking,  our  friends  will 
be  packing. 

When    a   friend   asketh,  there   is   no   to-mor- 
row.— Spanish. 

When  the  fox  preaches,  beware  of  your  geese. 

When  an  ass  is  among  monkeys  they  all  make 
faces  at  him. — Spanish. 

When  it  pleasetn  not  God,  the  saint  can  do 
little. — Spanish. 

When  all  men  say  you  are  an  ass  it  is  time 
to  bray. 


104  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

When  one  will  not,  two  cannot  quarrel.— Span. 

When  the  heart  is  full  of  lust  the  mouth  is 
full  of  lies. 

When  sorrow  is  asleep,  wake  it  not. 

When  thy  neighbor's  house  is  on  fire  look  to 
thine  own. 

Where  God  hath  his  church  the  devil  will  have 
his  chapel 

Where  love  fai^s,  we  spy  all  faults. 
Where  nothing  is,  a  little  doth  ease. 

Where  the  carcase   is,  there   the  ravens  will 
collect  together. — Gaelic. 

While  there  is  life  there  is  hope. 
While  the  grass  grows  the  steed  starves. 

Who  goes  to  the  wars  eats  ill,  drinks  worse, 
and  sleeps  on  the  ground. — Italian. 

Who  looks  not  before  finds  himself  behind. 

Who  hunts   two  hares  leaves  one  and   loses 
the  other. — Italian. 

Wishes  never  can  fill  a  sack. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS  105 


With  cost,  good  pottage  may  be  made  out  of 
the  leg  of  a  stool. 

Who  hath  aching  teeth  hath  ill  tenants. 

Who  has  not  a  good   tongue  ought  to  have 
good  hands. 

Without  pains  no  gains. 
Wit  once  bought  is  worth  twice  taught 
Winter  fin-Is  out.  what  summer  conceals 
Without  a  friend  the  world  is  a  wilderness. 

Whoever  is  the  fox's  servant    must  bear   up 
his  tail. — Gaelic. 

Wolves   may  lose   their  teeth   but  not  their 
nature. 

Words  are  but  wind,  but  seeing  is  believing. 

Words  from  the  mouth  only  die  in   the  ears, 
but  words  proceeding  from  the  heart  stay  there. 

You  cannot  make  velvet  of  a  sow's  ear. 

You  need  not  get  a  golden  pen  to  write  upon 
dirt. 

You  cannot  make  a  whistle  of  a  pig's  tail. 


105  PROVERBS    OF    ALL.    IN  Al  1OIS  h. 

You  have  found  a  mare's  nest,  and  laugh  at 
the  eggs. 

You  have  always  a  ready  mouth  for  a  ripe 
cherry. 

You  come  a  day  after  the  fair. 

You  cannot   have  more  of  the  cat  than  the 
skin. 

You    cannot    fair    weel,  but   you    cry    roast 
meat. — Scotch. 

Young  men  think  old  men  fools,  and  old  men 
know  young  men  to  be  so. 

You  cannot  catch  old  birds  with  chaff. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  107 


VIRTUE,   RELIGION,  AND    LEARNING. 

A  CHASTE  eye  exiles  licentious  looks. 

Alms-giving  never  made  any  man  poor,  nor 
robbery  rich,  nor  prosperity  wise. 

A  friend  is  never  known  till  needed 
Amicus  certus,  in  re  incerta  cernitur. — Cic.  EX  ENNIO. 

An  atheist  has  gotten  one  point  beyond  the 
devil. 

Argument  seldom  convinces  any  one  contrary 
to  his  inclinations. 

A  madman  and  a  fool  are  no  witnesses. 
A  lie  has  no  legs,  but  a  slander  has  wings. 

A  liar  is  a  bravo  towards  God,  and  a  coward 
towards  men. 

A  wise  man  is  a  great  wonder. 

A  promise  against  law  or  duty  is  void  in  its 
own  nature 

An  ape  may  chance  to  sit  amongst  the  doctors. 


108  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

A  little  wind  kindles  a  great  fire,  a  great  one 
blows  it  out. 

A  careless  watch  invites  a  vigilant  foe. 

A  wise  man  may  look  like  a  fool  in  fool's  com- 
pany. 

A  debauched  son  of  a  noble  family  is  a  foul 
stream  from  a  clear  fountain. 

Away  goes  the  devil  when  he  finds  the  door 
shut  against  him. 

A  man  that  breaks  his  word  bids  others  be 
false  to  him. 

A  man   may   as  well   expect  to  be   at  ease 
without  wealth,  as  happy  without  virtue. 

An  ill  style  is  better  than  a  lewd  story 
A  knave  discovered  is  a  great  fool. 

As   good   be   hanged   for  an  old   sheep  as   a 
young  lamb. 

A  wicked  companion  invites  us  all   to  hell. 
A  vicious  man's  son  has  a  good  title  to  vice. 

An  old  goat   is  never  the  more  reverend  for 
his  beard. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  109 


A  good  life  keeps  off  wrinkles. 

A  wise  man's  thoughts  walk  with  biir,,  e.  fool's 
without  him. 

A  great  reputation  is  a  great  charge. 

A  fool   may  chance   to  put   something   in  a 
wise  man'*)  head. 

A  little  time  may  be  enough  to  hatch  a  great 
•ipai  of  mischief. 

A  bad  man  has  a  blot  in  his  escutcheon. 

A  liar  is  not  to  be  believed  when  he  speaks 
the  truth. — Italian. 

All  happiness  is  in  the  mind 

Happiness  is  not  in  a  cottage,  nor  a  palace,  nor  in  riches, 
nor  in  poverty,  nor  in  wisdom,  ncr  in  ignorance,  nor 
in  active  nor  in  passive  life, — there  is  evil  as  well  as 
good  in  all  these.  It  is  certainly  in  the  MIND,  but  the 
difficulty  is  in  getting  it  to  dwell  there.  An  old  monk 
has  left  the  following  maxims  to  pass  through  life 
comfortably : 

Never  speak  ill  of  your  superiors 
Perform  every  one's  office  according  to  his  quality 

"  True  happiness  is  to  no  spot  confin'd, 
If  you  preserve  a  firm  and  equal  mind  ; 
Tis  here,  'tis  there,  'tis  every  where." — HORACI. 

A  good  conscience  is  the  best  divinity 


110  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    RATIONS. 

A   horse  is  neither  better  nor  worse  for  his 
trappings. 

An  upright  judge  has  more  regard  to  justice 
than  to  men. — Italian. 

All   fame    is  dangerous :    good  brings   envy ; 
bad,  shame. 

A  good  cause  makes  a  stout  heart  and  a  strong 
arm. 

A  house  fill'd  with  guests  is  eaten  up  and  ill 
spoken  of. 

Indiscriminate  hospitality,  which  occasions  the  ruin  of  fam- 
ilies, is  seldom  praised  by  those  who  have  shared  in  it. 

A  man,  like  a  watch,  is  to  be  valued  for  his 

goings. 

A  wise   man   gets   learning   from  those  whc 
have  none  themselves. — Eastern. 

Arrogance  is  a  weed  that  grows  mostly  on  a 
dunghill. 

A  hypocrite  pays  tribute  to  God  that  he  may 
impose  on  men. 

After  praying  to  God  not  to   lead  you  into 
temptation,  do  not  throw  yourself  into  it. 

A  profitable  religion  never  wanted  proselytes. 


P  K  O  VERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  Ill 

An  envious   man  waxeth   lean  with  the  fat- 
ness of  his  neighbor. 

A  wicked  man  is  his  own  hell;   and  his  pas- 
sions and  lusts  the  fiends  that  torment  him. 

Better  untaught  than  ill  taught. 

Better  be  alone  than  in  ill  company. — Scotch. 

Better  late  ripe  and  bear,  than  early  blossom 
and  blast. 

Better  go  to  heaven  in  rags,  than  to  hell  in 
embroidery. 

Bear  and  forbear  is  good  philosophy. 

Be  a  father  to  virtue,  but  father-in-law  to  vice. 

Better   ten   guilty  escape   than  one  innocent 
man  suffer. 

Buffoonery  and   scurrility  are    the   corruption 
of  wit,  as  knavery  is  of  wisdom. 

Bought  wit  is  best,  but  may  cost  too  much. 

Believe  only  half  of  what  you  hear  of  a  man's 
wealth  and  goodness. — Spanish. 

Confession  without  repentance,  friends  without 
faith,  prayer  without  sincerity,  are  mere  loss. 


11*  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

Blushing  is  virtue's  color. 
Cheer  up,  God  is  where  he  was. 
Common  fame  is  seldom  to  blame. 
Constant  occupation  prevents  temptation. -Ital. 
Courage  ought  to  have  eyes  as  well  as  arms. 
Common  sense  is  the  growth  of  all  countries. 

Content  is  the  philosopher's   stone,  that  turns 
all  it  touches  into  gold. 

"  Is  happiness  your  point  in  view, 

(I  mean  the  intrinsic  and  the  true,) 

She  nor  in  camps  nor  courts  resides. 

Nor  in  the  humble  cottage  hides  ; 

Yet  formed  alike  in  every  sphere, 

Who  finds  Content,  will  find  her  there" — GAT. 

Criminals  are   punished   that  others    may  be 
amended. — Italian. 

Death  has  nothing  terrible  in  it  but  what  life 
has  made  it  so. 

Dissembled  holiness  is  double  iniquity. 

Do  not  give  a  bribe,  nor  lose  your  right.— Span 

Do  not  do  evil  to  get  good  by  it,  which  never 
yet  happened  to  any. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  113 


Do  you  know  what  charity  is :  forgive  if  you 
bear  ill  will,  and  pay  what  you  owe. — Spanish. 

Do  what  thou  ought,  come  what  can. — French. 

Drunkenness    is   nothing   else    but   voluntary 
madness. 

Drunkenness  is  an  egg  from  which  all   vices 
are  hatched. 

Drunkenness  turns  a  man  out  of  himself,  and 
leaves  a  beast  in  his  room. 

Dying  is  as  natural  as  living 

Education   begins   a   gentleman,  conversation 
completes  him. 

Education  polishes  good  natures,  and  corrects 
bad  ones. 

Enjoy   your    little    while    the    fool    seeks   for 
more. — Spanish. 

Evil  communications  corrupt  good  manners. 

Every  vice  fights  against  nature. 

Envy  shoots  at  others  and  wounds  herself. 

Experience  without  learning  does  more  good 
than  learning  without  experience. 

8 


114  PKOVERBS    OF    ALL    HAT1OKS. 

Experience  is  the  mother  of  science. 
Example  teaches  more  than  precept. 

Experience  teaches  fools,  and  he   is    a  great 
one  that  will  not  learn  by  it. 

Experience  keeps  a  dear  school,  but  fools  learn 
in  no  other. 

Faults  of  ignorance  are  excusable,  only  where 
the  ignorance  itself  is  so. 

Follow  not  Truth  too  near  the  heels,  lest  she 
dash  out  your  teeth. 

Follow  the  wise  few  rather  than   the  vulgar 
many. — Italian. 

Folly  is  the  poverty  of  the  mind. 
Folly  is  never  long  pleased  with  itself. 

Forget  others'   faults    by  remembering    your 
own. 

For  ill  do  well,  then  fear  not  hell. 

Fools  lade  out  the  water  and  wise  men  take 
the  fish. 

From  'prudence,  peace ;    from  peace,  abund- 
ance.— Italian. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  115 

Friend's  help  is  not  to  be  bought  at  a  fair. 
Frost  and  fraud  both  end  in  foul. 

Government  of  the  will  is  better  than  increase 
of  knowledge. 

Good  preachers  give  fruits  and  not  howers. — 
Italian. 

Good  actions  are  the  best  sacrifice. 

Great  minds  are  easy  in  prosperity  and  quiet 
in  adversity. 

He  that  is  drunk  is  gone  from  home. 

He  dies  like  a  beast  who  nas  done  no  good 
while  he  lived. 

He  who  nas  no  shame  has  no  conscience. — Sp. 

He  is  the  best  gentleman  who  is  the  son  of 
his  own  deserts. 

He  that  has  no  modesty  has  all  the  town  for 
his  own. 

He   that   shows   his   passion  tells   his  enemy 
where  he  may  hit  him. 

He  that  knows  useful  things,  and  not  he  that 
knows  many  things,  is  the  wise  man. 


FKOVKRBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

He  who  avoids  the  temptation  avoids  the  sin. 

He  keeps  his  road  well  enough  who  gets  rid 
of  bad  company. 

He  that  will  not  be  counseled  cannot  be  helped. 
He  who  resolves  to  amend  has  God  on  his  side. 

He  that  kills  a  man  when  he  is  drunk,  must 
be  hanged  when  he  is  sober. 

He  that  swells   in   prosperity  will   shrink  in 
.id  <rersity. 

He  preaches  well  who  lives  well. 

He  that  prys  into  the  clouds  may  be  struck 
with  a  thunder  bolt. 

Ke  that  goes  to  church  with  an  ill  intention, 
goes  to  God's  house  on  the  devil's  errand. — Span. 

He  that  gives  to  a  grateful  man  puts  out  to 
usury. 

He  distrusts  his  own  faith  who  often  swears. 

Hell  is  full  of  good  meanings,  but  heaven  is 
full  of  good  works. 

Hide  nothing  from  thy  minister,  physician,  nor 
lawyer. — Italian. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  117 

Humility  gains  often  more  than  pride. —  Ital. 

Hypocrisy  is  a  sort  of  homage  that  vice  pays 
to  virtue. 

Hypocrites  are  a  sort  of  creatures  that  God 
never  made. 

The  Spaniards,  in  their  comic  way,  say,  "  It  is  better  to 
eat  grass  and  thistles,  thao  to  have  a  hood  over  the 
face." 

If  the  best  man's  faults  were  written  on  his 
forehead,  it  would  make  him  pull  his  hat  over 
his  eyes. — Gaelic. 

If  every  one  would  mend  OTIC,  all  would  be 
mended. 

Ignorance  is  a  voluntary  misfortune. 

It  is  altogether  in  vain  to  learn  wisdom  and 
yet  live  foolishly. 

If  they  say  you  are  good,  ask  yourself  if  it 
be  true. — Spanish. 

I  know  no  difference  between  buried  treasure 
and  concealed  knowledge. — Italian. 

It  is  pride  and  not  nature  that  craves  much. 
Ignorance  is  the  mother  of  devotion. 


118  PROVERBS    OF   ALL    NATIONS. 

It  is  a  base  thing  to  betray  a  man  because 
he  trusted  you. 

It  is  always  term  time  in  the  court  of   con- 
science. 

It  is  human  to  err,  but  diabolical  to  persevere. 

It  costs  more  to  revenge  injuries  than  to  bear 
them. 

It  is  better  to  sit  with  a  wise  man  in  prison 
than  a  fool  in  paradise. — Russian. 

It  has   been  the  misfortune  of  many  to  live 
too  long. 

They  have  outlived  their  reputation,  or  done  things  in  the 
latter  period  of  their  lives  unworthy  the  commencement 
of  their  career. 

It  is  self-conceit  that  makes  opinion  obstinate. 

I  will  not  change   my  cottage  in  possession 
for  a  place  in  reversion. 

It  is  as  great  cruelty  to  spare  all,  as  to  spare 
none. 

Job  was  not  so  miserable  in  his  sufferings  as 
happy  in  his  patience 

Keep  out  of  brawls,  and  you  will  neither  be 
a  principal  nor  a  witness. — Spanish. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  119 


Knaves  imagine  nothing  can  be  done  without 
knavery. 

Knowledge  is  silver  among  the  poor,  gold 
among  the  nobles,  and  a  jewel  among  princes. — 
Italian. 

Knowledge  directs  practice,  yet  practice  in- 
creases knowledge. 

Knowledge  is  no  burden. 

Knowledge  without  practice  makes  but  half 
an  artist. 

Learning  is  a  scepter  to  some,  a  bauble  to 
others. 

Learn  wisdom  by  the  follies  of  others. — Ital. 
Let  another's  shipwreck  be  your  sea-mark. 
Lordly  vices  require  lordly  estates' 

Life  is  half  spent  before  we  know  what  it  is. 

Make  the  night  night,  and  the  day  day,  and 
you  will  live  happily. — Spanish. 

Man  proposes,  bat  God  disposes. — Scotch 

Men's  years  and  their  faults  are  always  more 
than  they  are  willing  to  own. 


120  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

Many  that  are  wits  in  jest  are  fools  in  earnest. 
Mean  men,  admire  wealth,  great  men  glory. 
Men  fear  death  as  children  to  go  in  the  dark. 
Mortal  man  must  not  keep  immortal  anger. 

Most  men  employ  tht-.ir  first  years,   so   as  to 
make  their  last  miserable. 

Nature  teaches  us  to  love  our  friends,  religion 
our  enemies. 

Necessity  hath  no  law. 

Neither  praise  nor  dispraise  thyself,  thine  ac- 
tions serve  the  turn. 

Never  be  weary  of  well-doing. 

No  religion  but  can  boast  of  its  martyrs. 

No  mother  so  wicked  but  desires  to  have  good 
children . — Italian. 

Not  God  above  gets  all  men's  love. 

No  tyrant  can  take  from  you  your  knowledge. 

Obscene  words    must  have  a  deaf  ear. 

Old  men  go  to  death,  but  death  comes  to  young 
men 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  121 

Of  two  eviis  the  least  must  be  chosen. 
Oftentimes,  to  pi  ease  fools,  wise  men  err. 

One  may  discern  an  ass  in  a  lion's  skin  with- 
out spectacles. 

Only  that  which  is  honestly  get.  is  gain. 

One  ill  word  asketh  another. 

One  ill  example  spoils  many  good  precepts 

Our  flatterers  are  our  most  dangerous  enemies, 
yet  often  be  in  our  bosoms. 

Passionate  men,  like  fleet  hounds,  overrun  the 
scent. 

Pen  and  ink  are  wit's  plough. 

Pleasures,  while  they  flatter,  sting  to  death. 

Point  not  at  others'  spots  with  a  foul  finger. 

Prayer  should  be  the  key  of  the  day,  and  the 
lock  of  the  night. 

Prevention  is  better  than  cure. 

Pride   is   as   loud   a   beggar   as  want,  and   a 
great  deal  more  saucy. 

Quick  believers  need  broad  shoulders. 


132  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

Reason   governs   the  wise   man,  and  cudgels 
the  fool. 

Repent  a  good  Action  if  you  can. 
Reckless  youtb  makes  rueful  age. — Scotch. 
Respect  and  contempt  sroil  the  world. — Ital. 

Religious  contention  is  the  devil's  harvest. — 
French. 

Revenge  in  cold  blood  is  the  devil's  own  act 
in  deed. 

Roman  virtue  it  was  that  raised  the  Roman 
glory. 

Rule  lust,  temper  the  tongue,  and  bridle  the 
belly. 

Seamen  are  the  nearest  to  death  and  the  far- 
thest from  God. 

Seek  not  to  form  every  one's  dial  by  your  own 

watch. 

Self-exaltation  is  the  fool's  paradise. 
Speak  the  truth  and  shame  the  devil. 

Slanderers  are  the  devil's  bellows  to  blow  up 
contention. 


PKOVEH3S    Ut    /tl    >.  AV10.NS.  123 

Show  me  a  liar  and  I  will  show  you  a  thief. 
Some  are  atheists  omy  in  fair  weather. 
Sin  is  sin,  whether  it  be  seen  or  not. 
Scandal  will  rub  out  like  dirt  when  it  is  dry. 
Short  pleasure,  long  lament. 

Small   faults   indulged,  are  little  thieves  that 
let  i.i  greater. 

Solitude  makes  us  love  ourselves ;   conversa- 
f.i'.}j,  others. 

c'.n'-'tude  dulls  the  thought;   too  much  society 
d.\Bffipfttes  it. 

That  which  was  bitter  to  endure  may  be  sweet 
t:;  remember. 

The  most  penitent  ancnorite  has  now  and  then 
a  flight  of  vanity. 

The  best   mode  of   instruction   is  to  practice 
what  we  teach. 

The   reward  of  unlawful   pleasure   is   lawful 
pain. 

The  XK-ofvJlest  truths  are  the  easiest  compre- 
hended. 


124  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 


The  sting  of  a  reproach  is  the  truth  of  it. 

The  conquered   is   rarely  called  wise,  or   the 
conqueror  rash. 

The  truest  jests  sound  worst  in  guilty  ears. 

The  chamber  of  sickness  is  the  chapel  of  de- 
votion. 

The  best  horse  needs  breaking,  and  the  aptest 
child  needs  teaching 

The   gown   is   tier's   that   wears   it,  and    the 
world  is  his  who  enjoys  it. 

The  devil  is  a  busy  bishop  in  his  own  diocese. 

There  is  a  devil  in  every  berry  of  the  grape. 
—  Turkish. 

The  mus?>i  '.cr«.   il^  rooming. 

The  retn^y  for  injuries   is  not  to  remember 
them. — I  Lilian . 

The  credit  thst  is  got  by  a  lie  only  lasts  ti« 
the  truth  comes  out. 

The  church    is   out   of  temper,  when  charity 
waxes  cold  an  zeal  hot. 

The  drunkard  continually  assaults  his  own  life. 


PROVERBS    OF   ALL   NATIONS.  125 


The  best  remedy  against  an  ill  man  is  much 
ground  between  both. — Spanish. 

The  pen  of  the  tongue  should  be  dipped   in 
the  ink  of  the  heart. — Italian. 

The  poet,  of  all  sorts  of  artificers,  is  the  fond- 
est of  his  work. 

The  first  chapter  of  fools,  is  to  esteem  them- 
selves wise. 

The  longest  life  is  but  a  rjarcel  of  moments. 

The  wise  man   knows  the  fool,  but  the  fool 
doth  not  know  the  wise  man. — Eastern 

The  sickness  of  the  body  may  prove  the  health 
of  the  soul. 

The  cross  on  the  breast  and  the  devil  in  ac- 
tions.— Spanish. 

The  wicked  even  hate  vice  in  others. 

The  world  would  finish  were  all  men  learned. 

The  best  way  to  see  divine   light,  is   to  put 
out  thine  own  candle. 

The  wrath  of  brothers  is  the  wrath  of  dev- 
ils.— Spanish. 


126  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 


The  offender  never  pardons. — Italian. 

The  timid  and  weak  are  the  most  revengeful 
and  implacable. 

The  loquacity  of  fools  is  a  lecture  to  the  wise. 
The  example  of  good  men  is  visible  philosophy. 

The  fool  is  busy  in  every  one's  business  but 
his  own. 

The  follies  °f  vouth  are  food  for  repentance 
in  old  age. 

The  devil  entangles  youth  with  beauty,  the 
miser  with  gold,  the  ambitious  with  power,  the 
learned  by  false  doctrine. 

The  first  degree  of  folly  is  to  think  one's  self 
wise;  the  next  to  tell  others  so;  the  third,  to 
despise  all  counsel. 

The  devil  goes  shares  in  gaming. 

There  are  as  many  serious  follies  as  light  ones 

The  greatest  learning  is  to  be  seen  in  the 
greatest  plainness. 

There  is  no  honor  where  there  is  no  shame 
The  noblest  remedies  of  injuries  is  oblivion. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS  127 

The  most   lasting   monuments  are,  doubtless, 
the  paper  monuments. 

To  read  and  not  to  understand,  is  to  pursue 
and  not  to  take. — Italian. 

Too  much  fear   is  an  enemy  to  good  delibe- 
ration. 

Truth  may  be  blamed,  but  it  can   never  be 
shamed. 

Truth  hath  always  a  fast  bottom. — Gaelic. 
Truths  and  roses  have  thorns  about  them. 
Truth  may  languish  but  can  never  perish.-/ta/. 

To  a  bad  character,  good  doctrine  avails  noth- 
ing.— Italian. 

Unkindness  has  no  remedy  at  law. 
Vain  glory  blossoms,  but  never  bears. 

Vice  is  its  own  punishment,  and   sometimes 
its  own  cure. 

Vows  made  in  storms  are  forgotten  in  calms 
We  have  all  forgotten  more  than  we  remember 
We  talk,  but  God  doth  what  he  pleases. 


128  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

Wealth  breeds  a  pleurisy,  ambition  a  fever,  lib- 
erty a  vertigo,  and  poverty  is  a  dead  palsy  .-Gaelic 

We  may  give  advice,  but  we  can  not  give 
conduct. 

Well  to  judge  depends  on  well  to  hear.- — Ital. 
What  the  eye  sees  not,  the  heart  rues  not. 

What  maintains  one  vice  would  bring  up  two 
children. 

What  soberness  conceals  drunkenness  reveals. 

When  you  are  i»ngry,  remember  that  you  may 
be  calm ;  and  when  you  are  calm,  remember 
that  vou  may  be  angry. — Spanish. 

When  honor  grew  mercenary,  money  grew 
honorable. 

Who  thinks  to  deceive  God,  deceives  himself. 

Wo  to  those  preacher*  who  listen  not  to  them- 
selves. 

Who  is  wicked  in  the  country  will  be  wicKed 
in  the  town. 

Who  thinks  often  of  death,  does  things  worthy 
of  life. — Italian. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  j29 

Who  teaches  often  Irani?  Lim-rll'  —  Italian. 
Whore  content  is,  there1  is  a  fen-n 

Who  is  not  used  to  lie  think.4  even,'  <>nc  speaks 
the  truth. — Italian. 

Who  draws  others  into  ill  courses  is  the  devil's 

agent. 

Who  thinks  every  day  to  die  can  never  per- 
ish.— Italian. 

Worth  begets  in  base  minds  envy  ;  in  great 
souls  emulation. 

Who  has  one  foot  in  a  brothel,  has  the  other 
in  the  hospital. — Italian. 

Where  honor  ceases,  knowledge  decreases 
Where  reason  rules,  appetite  obeys. 
Who  preaches  war  is  the  devil's  chaplain. 
Who  is  bad  to  his  own  is  bad  to  himself. — lid. 

When  you  would  be  revenged  on  your  enemy, 
live  as  you  ought,  and  you  have  done  it  to  some 
purpose. 

Who  follow  not  virtue  in   youth,  can  not  fly 
sin  in  old  age. — Italian. 
0 


i:,0  PROVEKBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

Worth  hath  been  under-rated  ever  since  wealth 
was  over-valued. 

Who  pardons  the  bad,  injures  the  good. — Ital 

When  you  have   no  observers   be   afraid   of 
yourself. 

When  a  proud  man  hears  another  praised,  he 
thinks  himself  injured. 

When  passion  enters  at  the  foregate,  wisdom 
goes  out  at  the  postern. 

Wise  men   have  their   mouth  in  their  heart, 
fools  their  heart  in  their  mouth. 

Wisdom  without  innocence,  is  knavery ;  inno- 
cence without  wisdom,  is  folly. 

Wisdom  does  not  always  ppeak  in  Greek  and 
Latin. 

Wise   men   learn   by   others'    harm,  fools   by 
their  own. 

Wise  men  care  not  for  what  they  cannot  have. 

Who    ever   suffered   for   not    speaking    ill    of 
others  ? 

Wicked   men,  like  madmen,  have    sometimes 
their  lucid  intervals. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  131 

Where  the  heart  is  past  hope,  the  face  is  pae* 
shame. 

Years  know  more  than  books. 

You  would  do  little  for  God  if  the  devil  were 
dead. — Scotch. 

You  make  a  great  purchase  when  you  relieve 
the  necessitous. 

You  plead  after  sentence  is  given. 

You  should  ask  the  world's  leave  before  you 
commend  yourself 

You  will  never  repent  of  being  patient  and 
sober. 

You  may  break  a  colt,  but  not  an  old  horse. 

You  will  never  have  a  friend,  if  you   must 
have  one  without  failings. 

Your  father's  honor  to  you  is   but  a  second 
hand  honor. 

Youth  and  white  paper  take  any  impression 

Zeal,  without  knowledge,  is  like  fire  without 
light 


138  ROVERBS    OF   ALL    NATIONS. 


LAWS,    GOYERKTIHENT,    AND    PUBLIC    AFFAIRS. 


A  PRINCE  wants  a  million,  a  beggar  but  a  groat. 

j\n  ass  that  carries  a  load   is   better  than  a 
lion  fJl^t  devours  men. 

An  illiterate  king  is  a  crowned  ass 

A  king  is    ^ever  powerful  that  has  not  power 
on  the  sea.  — 


An  ill  man  5n  o.  "ce  is  a  public  calamity. 

Antiquity  can  not  privilege  an  error,  nor  nov- 
elty prejudice  a  truth. 

A    deceitful  peace    is  mor*   hurtful   than  an 
open  war. 

Beggars  tear  no    ebellion, 
Be  you  ever  so  high  the    iw  is  a°ove  you. 
Better  a  lean  peace  than  ?\  fat  victory 
By  wisdom  peace,  by  peace  plenty 

From  the  anger  of  a  lord,  and  from  a  mut]/r»V 
of  the  people,  God  deliver  us.  —  Spanish. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  133 

For  sovereign  power  all  laws  are  broken. — 
Spa*M.. 

Gooo  iawe  often  proceed  from  bad  manners. 
Good  me;*  itre  a  public  good 

He  whose  father  is  alcalde  goes  to  trial  with 
contiJence. 

He  that  puts  on  a  public  gown,  must  put  uff 
the  private  person. 

He  is  half  a  king  who  has  the  king's  gocf 
graces . — Italian. 

He  who  gives  to  the  public  gives  to  no  one. 

Hospitality  to  the  exile,  and  broken  bones  to 
the  oppressor. — Gaelic. 

He  that  serves  the  public  obliges  nobody.— Ital. 
He  that  buys  magistracy  must  sell  justice. 
Human  laws  reach  not  thoughts. 

In  settling  an  island,  the  first  building  erected 
by  a  Spaniard  will  be  a  church ;  by  a  French- 
man, a  fort;  by  a  Dutchman,  a  warehouse  and 
bv  an  Englishman,  an  alehouse. 

It  is  the  justice's  clerk  that  makes  the  justice. 


134  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

It  were  better  to  hear  the  lark  sing,  than  the 
mouse  cheep. 

A.  border  proverb  of  the  Douglases  :  to  express  as  Sir 
Walter  Scott  observes,  what  Bruce  had  pointed  out,  that 
the  woods  and  hills  of  their  country  were  the  safest 
bulwarks  instead  of  the  fortified  places,  which  the  En- 
glish surpassed  their  neighbors  iu  the  art  of  assaulting 
and  defending. 

King's  chaff  is  worth  other  men's  corn. — Span. 

The  perquisites  that  attend  kings  are  better  than  the 
wages  of  other  persons. 

Kings  and  bears  oft  worry  their  keepers. 

Kings  have  long  arms,  and  have  many  eyes 
and  ears. — Italian. 

Kings  have  no  power  over  souls 

Laws  catch  flies,  but  let  hornets  go  free. 

Law  makers  should  not  be  law  breakers.— /Sfc'A. 

Law  governs  man,  and  reason  the  law. 

Law  cannot  persuade  where  it  cannot  punish. 

Law  is  costly,  take  a  part  and  agree. — Scotch. 

Might  overcomes  right. 

Much  disorder  brings  with  it  much  order. 


PKOVERBS    OP    ALL    NATIONS.  135 

Money  is  an  abridgement  of  human  power. 
Much  law  but  little  justice. 

Where  there  is  much  law,  there  must  be  much  uncertainty* 
and  uncertainty  in  the  Laws  must  be  productive  of  liti- 
gation, which  itself  is  a  cause  of  great  suffering  and 
injustice  to  those  possessed  of  little  property. 

Oppression  causes  rebellion. 

Of  all  wars  peace  ought  to  be  the  end. — Pax 
qu&ritur  bcllo. 

Oppression  will  make  a  wise  man  mad.-Scotch. 

Possession   is  eleven   points  of  the   law,  ana 
they  say  there  are  but  twelve. 

Popular  opinion  is  the  greatest  lie  in  the  world. 

Peace  would  be  general  in  the  world,  if  there 
were  neither  mine  or  thine. 

Rewards   and   punishments  are   the   basis  of 
good  government. 

Soldiers  in  peace  are  like  chimnies  in  summer. 
Such  is  the  government,  such  are  the  people. 
The  soldier  is  well  paid  for  doing  mischief. 
The  king's  cheese  goes  half  away  in  Daring. 


130  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

The  blood  of  the  soldier  makes  the  glory  of 
the  general. 

The  people  murder  one  another,  and  princes 
embrace  one  another. — Italian. 

That  war  is  only  just  which  is  necessary. 

The   king   may   give   honor,  but   thou  art  to 
make  thyself  honorable. 

The  multitude  of  offenders  is  their  protection. 
The  subject's  love  is  the  king's  life  guard. 
The  fear  of  war  is  worse  than  war  itself. 

The  guilty  man    fears   the  law,  the   innocent 
man  fortune. 

The  greater  the  man,  the  greater  the  crime. 
The  more  laws,  the  more  offenders. 

The   worst  of  law   is,  that   one    suit   breeds 
twenty. 

The  king  may  bestow  offices,  but  cannot  be- 
stow gifts  to  manage  them. 

The  treason  is  loved,  but  the  traitor  is  hated. 

Traitors,  false  friends,  and  apostates,  may  all  be  included 
under  the  same  anathema. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  137 

The  mob  has  many  heads,  but  no  brains. 

The  magistrate's  son  escapes  from  every  thing. 
Spanish, 

''Great   men,"   says  Mr.  Collins,    "too  often  commit  all 
sorts  of. villianies  witk  impunity." 

Their  power  and  their  will  are  the  measures 
princes  take  of  right  and  wrong. 

The  larger  states  are,  the  more  they  are  sub- 
ject to  revolutions. — Italian. 

That  trial  is  not  fair,  where  affection  is  judge. 

To  keep  a  custom  you  hammer  the  anvil  still, 
though  you  have  no  iron. 

War  makes  thieves  and  peace  hangs  them. — 

Italian — French . 

War  is  death's  feast. 
War  brings  scars. 

War,  hunting,  and  love,  have  a  thousand  oains 
for  one  pleasure. 

We  may  see  a  prince  but  not  search  him. 

Where  there  are  many  laws,  there  are  many 
enormities. 


138  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

Where  drums   beat,  laws  are  silent. 

Who  draws  the  sword  against  his  prince,  must 
throw  away  the  scabbard. 

Who  knows  not  how  to  dissemble,  knows  not 
s<nv  to  reign. 

A  favorite  maxim  of  Tiberias,  the  Roman  Emperor,  and 
of  Louis  XIII,  of  France. 

'<rr.r,  serves  at  court,  dies  on  straw. — Italian. 

Alluding  to  the  uncertainty  of  royal  favor. 

With   the   king   and   the  Inquisition,  hush! — 
Spanish. 

The  gravity  and  tacitiirnity  of  the  Spaniards  have  been 
ascribed  to  this  proverb.  It  is  descriptive  of  the  state 
of  the  people  when  the  popular  spirit  was  subdued,  and 
every  one  dreaded  to  find  a  spy  under  his  roof. 

Wise  and   good   men  invented  the  laws,  but 
fools  and  the  wicked  put  them  up  to  it. 

You  pretend  the  public,  but  mean  yourself. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  139 


K  €  O  IV  O  M  V,    MANNERS,    AND    RICHES. 

ASK  tny  purse  what  thou  snouldst  buy. 

A  man  that  keeps  riches  and  enjoys  them  nor, 
is  like  an  ass  that  carries  gold  and  eats  thistles. 

Accusing  the  times  is  but  excusing  ourselves. 
A  great  fortune  is  a  great  slavery 

A  bird  is  known  by  its  note,  and  a  man  by 
his  talk. 

A  fop  of  fashion   is   the   mercer's  friend,  the 
tailor's  fool,  and  his  own  foe. 

A  good  presence  is  letters  of  recommendation. 
A  hog  upon  trust,  grunts  till  he  is  paid  for. 
A  man  in  debt  is  stoned  every  year. — Spanish. 

That  is,  he  is  dunned,  persecuted,  and  ultimately  har- 
rassed  to  death,  by  the  perpetual  visitations  of  his 
creditors. 

All  covet    all  lose. 

A  spur  in  the  head  is  worth  two  in  your  heel- 

A  mittened  cat  never  was  a  good  hunter. 


HO  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

A  sluggard   takes  an  hundred   steps  because 
he  would  not  take  one  in  due  time. 

Account  not  that  work  slavery  that  brings  in 
penny  savory. 

A  sillerless  man  gangs  fast  through  the  mar- 
ket.— Scotch. 

As  you  salute,  you  will  be  saluted. — Italian. 
A  nod  from  a  lord  is  a  breakfast  for  a  fooi. 

A  gentleman  ought  to  travel   abroad,  but  In- 
dwell at  home. 

A   rich   man's   foolish  sayings   pass  f'n1  »\*sf> 
ones. — Spanish. 

A  rascal  grown  rich  has  lost  all  his  kindred. 

A  good  word  for  a  bad  one,  is  worth  much 
and  costs  little. — Italian. 

A  man  without  ceremony  had  need  of  great 
merit  in  its  place. 

All  saint  without,  all  devil  within 

Alike  every  day  makes  a  a  clout  on  Sunday. 
— Scotch. 

According  to  your  purse  govern  your  mouth 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  141 

A  rolling  stone  gathers  no  moss. 

As  good  play  for  nothing  as  work  for  nothing. 

A  fu'  purse  never  lacks  friends. — Scotch. 

A  covetous  man  makes  a  halfpenny  of  a  far- 
thing, and  a  liberal  man  makes  a  sixpence  of  it. 

Always  taking  out  of  the  meal-tub,  and  never 
putting  in,  soon  comes  to  the  bottom. 

A  penny  spared  is  twice  got. 
An  artist  lives  every  where. 

A  Greek  proverb,  used  by  Nero,  when  he  was  reproached 
with  the  ardor  he  gave  himself  up  to  the  study  of  music. 
It  answers  to  the  Spanish,  "A  skilful  mechanic  makes 
•a  good  pilgrim."  He  will  in  every  place  find  the  means 
to  maintain  himself;  which  gives  him  an  advantage 
over  the  mere  gentleman,  who  might  beg,  while  the 
artist  could  live  by  his  trade.  No  class  is,  in  fact,  more 
independent,  than  mechanics.  For  this  reason  Rous- 
seau taught  every  child  should  be  instructed  in  a  trade  ; 
and  the  Germans,  of  ail  ranks,  formerly  were  brought 
•ip  to  some  handicraft,  so  that  they  might  be  provided 
against  the  vicissitudes  of  fortune. 

All  men  think  their  enemies  ill  men. 

A  man  in  a  passion  rides  a  horse  that  runs 
away  with  him. 

All  is  fine  that  is  fit. 


142  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

A  civil  denial  is  better  than  a  rude  grant. 
A  man's  folly  ought  to  oe  his  greatest  secret. 
An  oek  is  not  felled  at  one  stroke. 
A  servant  is  known  by  his  master's  absence. 

A  shoemaker's  wife  and  a   smith's  mare  are 
always  worst  shod. 

The  Spaniards  say,  "In  the  smith's  house  the  knife  is 
made  of  wood ;"  implying,  that  where  they  have  the 
means  and  opportunity  of  procuring  the  comforts  and 
conveniences  of  life,  they  are  generally  the  most  wanting. 
Indeed,  it  were  easy  to  show,  that  there  are  many  other 
good  things  in  the  world  beside  a  knife  and  a  horse- 
shoe, which  we  do  not  enjoy,  for  other  reasons  than  the 
want  of  opportunity  to  procure  them.  Man  is  a  very 
foolish  and  perverse  creature,  and  his  actions  influenced 
(Mr.  Bentham's  theory  notwithstanding)  by  very  different 
considerations  than  a  sober  calculation  of  self-interest. 

All  is  soon  ready  in  an  orderly  house. 
Anger  and  haste  hinder  good  counsel. 
A  poor  man's  debt  makes  a  great  noise. 

All  complain  of  want  of  memory,  but  none 
ol  want  of  judgment. 

An  open  countenance,  but  close  though ts.—Ital. 

The  advice  given  by  the  elegant  "Wotton  to  Milton,  prior 
to  the  young  poet  commencing  his  Italian  travels. 


PRO  VE  KBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  143 


A  man  without  money  is  a  bow  without  an 
arrow. 

An  empty  belly  hears  nobody. 

A  poor  man  has  not  many  marks  for  fortune 
to  shoot  at. 

An  old  dog  cannot  alter  his  way  of  baming. 
An  idle  brain  is  the  devil's  workshop. 
A  fool  and  his  money  are  soon  parted. 

A  penny-worth  of  mirth  is  worth  a  pound  of 
sorrow. 

A  young  man  idle,  an  old  man  needy. — Ital. 

At  a  good  bargain  pause  a  while. 

A  little  neglect  mav  breed  great  mischief. 

A  fat  kitchen  makes  a  lean  will. 

Avarice  increases  with  wealth. — Italian. 

A  pin  a  day  is  a  groat  a  year. — Scotch 

A  stitch  in  time  saves  nine 

An  affected  superiority  spoils  company. 

A  wager  is  a  fool's  argument. 


144  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

A  true  nobleman  would  prefer  rags  to  patched 
clothes. — Spanish. 

A  thread-bare  coat  is  armor  proof  against  a 

highwayman. 

A  very  good  or  very  bad  poet  is  remarkable  ; 
but  a  middling  one,  who  can  bear? 

A  poor  squire  ought  to  have  his  cup  of  silver, 
and  his  kettle  of  copper. — Spanish. 

Though  they  will  cost  the  most  at  first,  they  will  last  the 
longer,  and  in  the  end  be  the  cheapest. 

An   empty  purse  and   a  new  house   make  a 
man  wise  too  late. — Italian. 

An  artful  fellow  is  the  devil  in  a  doublet. 
As  is  the  garden  such  is  the  gardener.— Hebrew. 
A  small  leak  will  sink  a  great  ship. 
A  deluge  of  words  and  a  drop  of  sense. 

A  man  loses  his  time  that  comes  early  to  a 
bad  bargain. 

A  wicked  book  is   the  worse  because  it  can 
not  repent. 

Better  eat  grey  bread  in  your  youth  than  in 
your  age. — Scotch. 


f-KUVKKBS    OK    ALL    S.'.T.OSS.  145 

Bacchus  has  drowned  more  men  than  Neptune. 
Bashfulness  is  boyish. 
Better  a  clout  than  the  hole  out. — Scotch. 
Beauty  is  potent,  but  money  is  omnipotent 

Burn  not  your  house  to  fright  away  the  mice. 
To  subdue  a  trifling  evil  do  not  incur  a  greater. 

Begging  of  a  courtesy  is  selling  of  liberty 
Better  wear  out  shoes  than  sheets. 

Better  give  a  shilling  than  lend  and  lose  half- 
a-crown. 

Better  have  one  plough  going  than  two  cradles. 
Better  is  the  last  smile  than  the  first  laughter. 
Business  to-morrow. 

A  Greek  proverb,  applied  to  a  person  ruined  by  h:s  own 
neglect.  The  fate  of  an  eminent  person  perpetuated 
this  expression,  which  he  casually  employed  on  the 
occasion.  One  of  the  Theban  poiemarchs,  in  the  midst 
of  a  convivial  party,  received  despatches  relating  to  a 
conspiracy:  flushed  with  wine,  although  pressed  by  the 
courier  to  open  them  u&rceciialclr,  he  smiled,  and  in 
gaiety  laying  the  letter  aad^:  the  pillow  of  his  couch, 
observed,  "Business  t->»ic:row'"  Plutarch  records  eUat 
he  fell  a  victim  to  tne  t^pacy-fsur  cours  he  ha-i  lost, 
and  became  the  su'lio;  oi  a  proverb,  wh.'ch  was  still 
circulated  among  t*<?  Greeks. 
10 


146  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

Better  half  a  loaf  than  no  bread. 
Better  spared  than  ill  spent. — Scoicn. 
Business  is  the  salt  of  life. 
Busy  folks  are  always  meddling. 

Care  will  kill  a  cat;  yet  there  is  no  living 
without  it. 

Conversation  teaches  more  tnan  meditation. 
'}{»m*  not  to  the  counsel  uncalled. — Scotch 

Conceited   men    think   nothing   can   oe   aone 
without  them. 

Clowns  are  best  in  their  own  company,  but 
gentlemen  are  best  every  where. 

Contempt  is  the  sharpest  reproof. 

Craft,  counting  all  things,  brings  nothing  home. 

Cautious  men  live  drudges  to  die  wretches. 

Contempt  will  sooner  kill  an  injury  than  re- 
venge. 

Curse  on  accounts  with  relations ! — Spanish. 

They  generally  expect  to    be  lavored;   and  if  not,  there 
arises  animosity  and  ill-i'eeling. 


.        PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  147 

Compliments  cost  nothing,  yet  many  pay  dear 
for  them. 

Dependence  is  a  poor  trade. 

Despair  has  ruined  some,  but  presumption 
multitudes 

Do  as  most  do,  and  fewest  will  speak  evil 
of  thee. 

Do  not  buy  of  a  huckster,  nor  be  negligent 
at  an  inn. — Spanish. 

Do  not  all  that  you  can  do ;  spend  not  all 
that  you  have;  believe  not  all  that  you  hear; 
and  tell  not  all  that  you  know. 

Drown  not  thyself  to  save  a  drowning  man. 

Do  not  ruin  yourself  to  save  a  man,  from  whose  character 
or  situation,  there  is  no  hooe  of  effectually  serving. 

Drinking  water  neither  makes  a  man  sick,  nor 
in  debt,  nor  his  wife  a  widow. 

Drive  thy  business ;   let  not  that  drive  thee. 
Draw  not  thy  bow  before  thy  arrow  be  fixed. 

Dirt  is  dirtiest  upon  clean  white  linen. 

An  imputation  on  a  man  of  spotless  character  leaves  the 
foulest  blot. 


148  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.       . 

Do  not  close  a  letter  without  reading,  or  drink 
water  without  seeing  it. — Spanish. 

Dumb  folks  get  no  lands. 

Too  much  diffidence,  as  well  as  too  forward  a  disposition, 
may  impede  a  man's  fortune. 

Enough  is  a  feast,  to  much  a  vanity. 
Every  one  should  sweep  before  his  own  door. 
Every  one  must  live  by  his  trade. 

Every    man    loves  justice   at   another  man's 
house ;   nobody  cares  for  it  at  his  own. 

Every  one  thinks  he  hath  more  than  his  share 
of  brains. 

Expect  nothing  from  him  who  promises  a  great 
deal. — Italian. 

Fancy  may  bolt  bran,  and  think  it  flour. 

Father,  in  reclaiming  a  child,  should  out-wit 
him,  and  seldom  beat  him. 

Fine  dressing,  is  a  fine  house  swept  before  the 
windows. 

For  mad  words,  deaf  ears. 
Forecast  is  better  than  work  hard. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 


149 


For  want  of  a  nail  the  shoe  is  lo.st,  for  want 
of  a  shoe  the  horse  is  lost,  for  want  of  a  horse, 
fhe  rider  is  lost 

Showing  how  a  small  neglect  sometimes  breeds  a  groat 
mischief. 

Flattery  sits  in  the  parlor,  while  plain  dealing 
_s  kicked  out  of  doors. 

Fortune  can  take  nothing  from  us  but  what 
she  gave. 

Fortune  knocks  once  at  least  at  every  man's 
door. 

Good  words  cost  nothing,  but  are  wortn  much. 

God  send  us  some  money,  for  they  are  little 
thought  of  that  want  it,  quoth  the  Earl  of  Eg- 
linton  at  prayer. — Scotch. 

Go  not  for  every  grief  to  the  physician,  for 
every  quarrel  to  the  lawyer,  nor  for  every  thirst 
to  the  pot. — Italian. 

God  makes  ana  apparel  shapes,  but  money 
makes  the  man. 

Good  bargains  are  pick-pockets. 

Grieving  for  misfortunes  is  adding  gall  to 
wormwood. 


150  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

Grandfather's  servants  are  never  good. 

Give  neither  counsel  nor  salt  till  you  are  asKed 
for  it. — Italian. 

Give  a  clown  your  finger   and  he  will  take 
your  whole  hand. 

Have  not  the  cloak  to  make  when  it  begins 
to  rain. 

Help  hands,  for  I  have  no  lands. 

He  may  make  a  will  upon  his  nail  for  any 
thing  he  has  to  give. 

He  who  pays  well  is  master  of  another  body's 
purse. 

He  who  shares  has  the  worst   share. — Span. 
He  may  find  fault  that  cannot  mend — Scotch. 

He  who  trust  to  the  landlady  at  a  tavern  feels 
it  at  home. — Spanish. 

He  who  would  catch  fish  must  not  mind  get- 
ting wet. — Spanish. 

He  who  rises  late  neither  hears  mass  nor  eats 
meat. — Spanish. 

He  is  idle  that  might  be  better  employed. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  151 

He  that  falls   in  the  dirt,  the  longer  he  lies 
the  dirtier  he  is. 

He  who  will   stop  every  man's  mouth,  must 
have  a  great  deal  of  meal. 

He  who  works  in  the  market-place  has  many 

teachers. — Spanish. 

He  that  hath  no  silver  in  his  purse,  should 
have  silver  on  his  tongue. 

He  that  lives  upon  hope  has  but  a  slender  diet. 
He  knows  not  a  hawk  from  a  handsaw. 
He  that  died  half  a  year  ago  is  dead  as  Adam. 

He  who  says  what   he   likes,  hears  what  he 
does  not  like. — Spanish. 

He  is  not  wise  who  is  not  wise  for  himself. 

He  that  lends  to  all  who  will  borrow,  shows 
great  good  will,  but  little  wisdom. 

He  sends  to  the  East  Indies  for  Kentish  pippins. 

He  that  makes  himself  an  ass,  must  not  take 
•t  ill  if  men  ride  him. 

He   is   not  drunk  for   nothing,  who  pays   his 
reason  for  his  reckoning. 


152  PROVERBS    OF    ALL   NATIONS. 

He  has  left  his  purse  in  his  other  breeches. 

He  plays  well  that  wins. 

Honors  set  off  merit,  as  dress  handsome  per- 


sons. 


He  that  wears  black  must  hang  a  brush  at 
his  back. 

He  hath  slept  well  that  remembers  not  that 
he  hath  slept  ill. 

He  had  need  rise  betimes  that  would  please 
every  bodv. 

He  has  riches  enough,  who  needs  neither  bor- 
row nor  flatter. 

He  who  has  a  trade  may  travel  every  where. — 
Spanish. 

He  who  buys   by  the  penny,  keeps   his  own 
house  and  other  men's  too. 

He  who  studies  his  content  wants  it  most. 

He  who  knows  not  when  to  be  silent,  knows 
not  when  to  speak. 


PROVERBS    OF   ALL   NATIONS.  153 

He  has  the  Bible  in  his  hand,  and  the  Alco- 
ran in  his  heart. 

He  scratches  his  head  with  one  finger. 

A  Greek  proverb,  applied  to  persons  of  effeminate  manners. 

He  is    like  a  bagpipe ;  you   never  hear  him 
till  his  belly  is  full. 

He  hath  made  a  good  progress  in  a  business, 
who  hath  thought  well  of  it  beforehand. 

He  who  has  an  art  has  every  where  a  part. 

He  is  miserable  once  who  feels  it,  but  twice 
who  fears  it  before  it  comes. 

He  that  spares  when  he  is  young,  may  spend 
when  ne  is  old. 

He  who  promiseth  runs  in  debt. — Spanish 

He  that  hears  much,  and  speaks  not  all,  shall 
be  welcome  both  in  bower  and  hall. 

He    that   buys    a   house   ready  wrought,  has 
many  a  pin  and  nail  for  nought. 

The  FRENCH  say,  '  II  faut  acheter  maison  fait,  et  femme  a 
faire.'     A  house  ready  made  and  a  wife  to  make 

He  that  laughs  when  he  is  alone,  will  make 
sport  in  company. 


154  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

He  that  converses  not,  knows  nothing. 

He  that  fears  you  present  will  hate  you  absent. 

He  that  will  thrive  must  rise  at  five;  he  that 
hath  thriven  may  lie  till  seven. 

He  who  serves  well,  need  not  to  be  afraid  to 
ask  his  wages. 

He  is  never  likely  to  have  a  good  thing  cheap, 
that  is  afraid  to  ask  the  price. — French. 

He  who  stumbles  twice  over  one  stone,  it  is 
no  wonder  if  he  break  his  neck. — Spanish. 

He  that  canna  mak  sport  should  mar  nane. — 
Scotch. 

He  that  has  a  great  nose  thinks  every  body 
is  speaking  of  it. 

He  is  an  ill  boy  that  goes  like  a  top,  no  longer 
than  it  is  whipt. 

He  sneaks  as  if  he  would  creep  into  his  mouth. 

He  has  ae  face  to  God,  anither  to  the  devil. — 
Scotch. 

He  that  by  the  plough  would  thrive,  himself 
must  either  hold  or  drive 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  155 

Honey  in  the  mouth  saves  the  purse. 
Honors  change  manners. 

Hunting,  hawking,  and  love,  for  one  joy  have 
a  hundred  griefs. — Scotch. 

He  who  converses  with  nobody,  is   either  a 
brute  or  an  angel. 

Idle  folks  have  the  most  labor. 

Idle  men  are  dead  all  their  life  long. 

Idleness  is  tne  greatest  prodigality  in  the  world. 
I  sell  nothing  on  trust  till  to-morrow. 

"Written  on  the  shop  doors. 

If  an  ass  goes  a  traveling,  he  will  not  come 
home  a  horse. 

If  you  will  be  Pope,  you  must  think  of  noth- 
ing else. 

If  you  would  succeed  in  any  undertaking  of  importance, 
you  must  devote  all  your  mind  and  attention  to  it. 

If  you  will  not  hear  reason,  she  will  surely 
rap  your  knuckles. 

Industry  is    fortune's   right    hand ;    frugality, 
her  left. 


156  PSOVKRUS    OF    ALL    FAMOUS. 


If  better  -were  vnthin,  better  would  come  out. 

If  you  liave  a  loitering  servant,  place  his  dinner 
before  him  and  send  him  on  an  errand. — Spanish. 

Idle  folks  have  mostly  the  sharpest  appetites,  and  a  bribe, 
in  the  shape  of  something  to  eat  or  drink,  puts  them 
the  soonest  in  motion. 

If  you  wish  a  thing  done,  go ;  if  not,  send. 

If  youth  knew  what  age  would  crave,  it  would 
both  get  and  save. 

If  you  make  money  your  god,  it  will  plague 
you  like  the  devil. 

If  the  counsel  be  good,  no  matter  who  gave  it. 

It  is  more  easy  to  praise  poverty  than  to  bear 
•t. — Italian. 

In  affairs  of  this  world,  men  are  caved  not  by 
faith  but  by  the  want  of  it. 

If  you  be  not  ill,  be  not  ill-like. 

If  fools  went  not  to  market  bad  ware  would 
not  be  sold. — Spanish. 

It  is  hard  for  an  empty  bag  to  stand  upright. 

If  you  play  with  a  fool  at  home,  he  will  play 
with  you  abroad. — Spanish. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS  157 

Impudence  and  wit  are  vastly  different. 

It  is  a  pity  that  those  who  taught  you  to  talk, 
did  not  also  teach  you  to  hold  your  tongue. 

If  you  would   make  an  enemy,  lend   a  man 
money  and  ask  for  it  again.  —  Portuguese. 

It   is    to   late   to   spare  when   the   bottom   is 
bare.  —  Scotch. 

Jests,  like  sweetmeats,  have  often  sour  sauce. 

Keep  a  thing  seven  years  and  you  will  find 
a  use  for  it.  —  Gaelic. 

Keep  out  of  a  hasty  man's  way  for  a  while  ; 
out  of  a  sullen  man's,  all  the  days  of  your  life. 

Keep  your  thoughts  to  yourself;  let  your  mien 
be  free  and  open. 

Keep  something  for  a  sair  fit.  —  Scotch. 

Keep  aloof  from  quarrels  ;  be  neither  a  witness 
nor  a  party. 


t  choler  be  a  common  soldier,  not  a  com- 
mander 

Let  us  be  friends,  and  put  out  the  devil's  eyes. 
Little  said  is  soon  amended. 


158  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 


Let  your  letter  stay  for  the  post,  and  not  the 
post  for  your  letter. — Italian. 

Loquacity  is  the  fistula  of  the  soul,  ever  run- 
ning and  never  cured. 

Liberality  is  not  in  giving  largely,  but  in  giving 
wisely. 

Lucky  men  need  no  counsel. 

Lying  rides  on  debt's  back. 

To  put  off  our  creditors  we  have  recourse  to  subterfuges, 
which,  if  not  absolute  lying,  are  a  near  approach  to  it. 

Long  is  the  arm  of  the  needy. — Gaelic. 

Many  there  be   that  buy  nothing  with  their 
money  but  repentance. 

Make  hay  while  the  sun  shines. 
Make  a  wrong  step  and  down  you  go. 
More  nice  than  wise. 

Modest    appearance,   good    humor,   and    t>ru- 
dence,  make  a  gentleman. 

Make   yourself  all  honey,  and  the   flies  will 
devour  you. — Italian. 

Money  makes  the  man  perfect. 


PROV   EKBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  159 


Many  talk  like  philosophers,  and  live  like  fools. 

Masters   should  be  sometimes  blind  and  some- 
times de  af. 

Men    apt  to  promise,  are  apt  to  forget. 

Nothing  should  oe  done  in  haste  but  gripping 
of  fleas. — Scotch. 

Nature  sets  every  thing  for  sale  to  labor. 
Neither  give  to  all,  nor  contend  with  fools. 

Not  to  oversee  workmen  is  to  leave  them  your 
uurse  open. 

None  so  old  that  he  hopes  not  for  a  year  of  life. 
Never  loose  a  hog  for  a  halfpenny  worth  of  tar. 

No  sweet  without  some  sweat ;  without  pains 
no  gains. 

Never  sign,  a  writing  till  you  have  read  it,  nor 
drink  wine  until  you  have  seen  it. — Spanish. 

Neither  great  poverty,  nor  great  riches,  will 
hear  riches. 

Out  of  debt,  out  of  danger. 

Overdoing  is  doing  nothing  to  the  purpose. 


160  rn  u  v  £.  K  D  »    u  r    A  L  I,    _>  -i  i  i  u  A  n  . 

One  that  is  perfectly  idle  is  perfectly  weary 
too,  and  knows  not  what  he  would  have  or  do. 

Of  money,  wit,  and  virtue,  believe  one  fourth 
of  what  you  hear. 

One  barber  shaves  not  so  close  but  another 
finds  work 

Of  little  meddling  comes  great  ease. 
Of  saving  cometh  having. 

Owe  money  to  be  paid  at  Easter,  and  Lent 
will  seem  short  to  you 

One  ounce  of  discretion  is  worlh  a  pound  of 
wit. 

Pay  as  vou  go  and  keep  from  small  score. 

Pains  to  get,  care  to  keep,  fear  to  lose 

Past  labor  is  pleasant. 

Poverty  is  the  mother  .of  all  arts. 

Provide  for  the  "Worst,  the  best  will  save  itself. 

Poverty  breaks  covenants. 

Poverty  makes  a  man  acquainted  with  strange 
bed- fellows. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  161 

Poverty  is  no  baseness,  but  it  is  a  branch  of 
knavery. 

"He  whom  the  dread  of  want  ensnares, 
With  baseness  acts,  with  meanness  bears." 

Poverty  is  an  evil  counsellor. 
Poverty  breeds  strife. 

Poverty  craves  many  things,  but  avarice  more 
— Italian. 

Poverty  has  no  shame. 

Purposing  without  performing,  is  mere  fooling. 

Praise  without  profit,  puts  little  into  the  pocket 

Quality  without  quantity  is  little  thought  of. — 
Scotch. 

Quarreling  dogs  come  halting  nome. 
Quick  landlords  make  careful  tenants. 
Quiet  persons  are  welcome  every  where. 
Quick  returns  make  rich  merchants. — Scotch. 

Rise  early  and  you  will  see ;   wake  and  you 
will  get  wealth. — Spanish. 

Riches,  like  manure,  do  no  good  till  they  are 
spread. 

11 


162  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

Riches  may  at  any  time  be  left,  but  not  poverty. 
Running  hares  do  not  need  the  spur. — Italian. 

See,  listen,  and  be  silent,  and  you  will  live  in 
p  e  ac  e . — Italian 

Silks  and  satins  put  out  the  kitchen  fire,     w 

So  much  of  passion,  so  much  of  nothing  to  the 
purpose. 

Speak  well  of  your  friend,  of  your  enemy  say 
nothing. 

Spare  to  speak  spare  to  speed. 

Some  have  been  thought  brave  because  they 
were  afraid  to  run  away. 

Sit  in  your  place  and  none  can  make  you  rise. 

Spend   not  where   you  may  save ;   spare  not 
where  you  must  spend. 

Spend  and  be  free,  t>   „  make  no  waste. 

Speak  little  and  to  the  purpose,  and  you  will 
pao1*  for  somebody. 

Setdi?  down  in  writing  is  a  lasting  memory. 
Some  2  re  ver^  busy,  and  yet  do  nothing. 


FKOVKKBS    OF    ALb    NATIONS.  163 

Take  time  while  time  is,  for  time  will  way. 
Talking  pays  no  toll. 

Tell  not  all  you  know,  nor  do  all  you  can.-/ta/. 
That  which  is  well  done  is  twice  done. 
Think  of  ease  but  work  on. 

The  stone  that  lies  not  in  your  way,  need  not 
offend  you. 

The  best  throw  upon  the  dice  is  to  throw  them 
away. 

The  best  of  the  game  is,  to  do  one's  business 
and  to  talk  little  of  it. 

The  sweat  of  Adam's  brow  has  streamed  down 
ours  ever  since. 

The  present  fashion  is  always  handsome. 

The  fox's  wiles  will  never  enter  into  the  lion's 
head. 

The  dearer  it  is,  the  cheaper  it  is  to  me,  tor 
I  shall  buy  the  less. 

The  head  grey,  and  no  brains  yet! 
The  more  wit,  the  less^  courage. 


164  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS 

There    are   no   coxcombs    so   troublesome,  as 
those  that  have  some  wit. 

The  foolish  Alchymist  sought  to  make  gold  of 
iron,  and  made  iron  of  gold. — Italian. 

The  poor  man's  wisdom  is  as  useless  as  a  pal- 
ace in  a  wilderness. 

The  sluggard's  guise — loth  to  bed  and  loth  to 
rise. 

The  eye  of  the  master  doth  more  than  both 
hands. 

The  poor  do  penance  for  the  follies  of  their 
superiors. — Italian. 

There  is    a  knack  of  appearing  knowing,  if 
we  can  only  be  silent. 

The  king  of  good  fellows  is  appointed  for  the 
queen  of  beggars. 

The  fool  wonders,  the  wise  man  travels. 
The  horse-shoe  that  clatters  wants  a  nail.-Span. 

Applied  to  those  who  boast  most  of  their  wealth,  when 
in  the  greatest  difficulties. 

The  less  wit  a  man  has,  the   less  he  knows 
he  wants  it. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NAllOftS.  165 

The  abuse  of  riches  is  worse  than  the  want 
of  them. 

There  are  two  things  men  ought  to  take  special  care  of; 
their  health  and  their  pockets.  If  either  of  these  be 
indisposed,  God  help  the  sufferer.  The  Italians  say, 
"  Poverty  is  half  a  sickness ;"  but  of  the  two,  I  think 
the  health  had  better  be  low  than  the  pocket.  In  sick- 
ness we  need  little,  but  in  health  our  wants  are  like 
armed  men,  and  must  be  satisfied.  Bacon  says,  "Knowl- 
edge is  power,"  but  the  wisdom  of  a  poor  man  goes  a 
very  little  way,  while  the  loquacity  of  a  rich  fool  carries 
every  thing  before  it.  Poverty  is  real  slavery — bodily 
and  mental.  By  all  means  then  we  ought  to  get  money; 
not  to  hoard  but  to  spend — to  procure  enjoyment,  liberty 
independence,  and  above  all,  the  power  of  doiug  good. 

To  him  that  wills,  ways  are  seldom  wanting. 
The  holidays  of  joy  are  the  vigils  of  sorrow. 
The  study  of  vain  things  is  laborious  idleness. 
They  may  know  the  workmen  from  his  work. 

The  true  art  of  making  gold,  is  to  have  a  good 
estate,  and  spend  little  of  it. 

The  poor  man's  budget  is  full  of  schemes.--^ 
The  more  riches  a  fool  nath,  the  foolisher  he  is. 
The  easiest  way  to  dignity  is  humility. 
That  is  a  wise  delay  which  makes  the  road  safe. 


166  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

Though  a  coat  be  ever  so  fine,  which  a  fool 
wears,  yet  it  is  but  a  fool's  coat. 

Try  your  friend  with  a  falsehood,  and   if  he 
keep  it  a  secret  tell  him  the  truth. 

The  more  you  court  a  mean  man,  the  statelier 
he  grows. — Spanish. 

To  believe  a  business  impossible,  is  the  way 
t,o  make  it  so. 

That  man  is  cheaply  bought  who  costs  but  a 
salutation. 

The   greatest  wealth  is   contentment  with  a 
little. 

There  is  more  trouble  in  having  nothing  to  do, 
than  in  having  much  to  do. 

To  be  proud  of  an  hereditary  title  is  to  flaunt 
in  a  dead  man's  clothes. 

True  valor  is  fire;  bullying  is  smoke. 

To  whom  you  betray  your  secret,  you  give 
your  liberty. 

Too  much  familiarity  breeds  contempt. 

PLUTARCH  observes  that,  out  of  three  of  the  best  things, 
three  of  the  worst  arise  :  from  truth,  hatred  ;  from  famil- 
iarity, contempt ;  from  happiness,  envy. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

Trouble  not  your  head  about  the  weather,  nor 
the  government. 

Virtue  itself  without  good  manners,  is  laugh- 
ed at. 

Venture  thy  opinion,  but  not  thyself  for  thy 
opinion. 

Unbidden  guests  know  not  where  to  sit  down 
Unexperienced  men  think  all  things  easy. 
Use  soft  words  and  hard  arguments. 
Wealth  makes  worship. 
Wealth  is  best  known  by  want. 

Well    to  work  and  make  a  fire,  it  doth  care 
and  skill  require. 

When  flatterers  meet,  the  devil  goes  to  dinner. 

Who  spends  more  than   he  should,  shall   not 
have  to  spend  when  he  would. 

We  hate  delay;  yet  it  makes  us  wise. 

We  never  know  the  worth  of  water  till   the 
well  is  dry. 

wnere  necessity  pinches,  boldness  is  prudence. 


168  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

Wit  it  is  folly,  unless  a  wise  man  has  the  keep- 
ing of  it. 

Witn  foxes  we  must  play  the  fox. 

When  necessity  comes  in,  tnrn  modesty  out. 

Wine  and  youth  are  fire  upon  fire. 

Who  more  brag  than  they  that  have  least  to  do. 

Worth,  without  wealth,  is  a  good  servant  out 
of  place. 

WThat  the  better  is  the  house  for  the  sluggard 
rising  early. 

Wealth  is   not   his  who  gets  it,  but   his  who 
enjoys  it. 

When  a  man  is  not  liked,  whatever  he  does 
is  amiss. 

Who  will  not  keep  a  penny  shall  never  have 
many. 

Wrinkled  purses  make  wrinkled  faces. 

When  a  fool  has  bethought  himself,  the  mar- 
ket is  over. 

When   you   have  any  business  with   a  man, 
give  him  title  enough. 


PKOVEKBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  169 

When  you  have  bought  one  thing  you  must 
buy  ten  more,  so  that  your  appearance  may  be 
all  of  a  piece. 

When  either  side  grows  warm  with  argument, 
the  wisest  man  gives  over  first. 

Weigh  right,  if  you  sell  dear. 

Write  down  the  advice  of  him  who  loves  you, 
though  you  like  it  not  at  present. 

W^ould  you  know  the  value  of  money,  go  and 
borrow  some. — Spanish. 

WThen  you  meet  with  a  fool,  pretend  business 

to  get  rid  of  him. 

t 

Who  buys  has  need  of  a  hundred  eyes,  who 
sells  has  enough  of  one. 

We  are  bound  to  be  honest,  but  not  to  be  rich. 

When  the  door  is  shut  the  work  improves.-^/?. 

You  are  less  liable  to  be  interrupted,  or  have  your  atten- 
tion withdrawn  from  your  business. 

What  tutor  shall  we  find  for  a  child  sixty 
years  old ! 

When  you  obey  your  superiors,  you  instruct 
jour  inferiors. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

When  a  man's  coat  is  threadbare,  it  is  easy 
to  pick  a  hole  in  it. 

When  a  man  is  unfortunate  and  reduced  in  the  world,  any 
one  may  find  fault  with  his  conduct. 

When  the  horse  is  stolen,  you  shut  the  stable 
door.    • 

When  gold  speaks,  all  tongues  are  silent.— /to/. 
Who  has  nothing  in  this  world  is  nothing.-/^//. 

When   your  companions  get  drunk   and  fight, 
ake  up  your  hat  and  wish  them  good  night. 

You  must  be  content  sometimes  with  rough 
roads. 

You  may  tell   an  idle  fellow  if  you  but   see 
him  at  dinner. 

You  may  offer  a  bribe  without  fear  of  having 
your  throat  cut. 

You  have  good  manners,  but  never  carry  them 
about  you. 

You  must  cut  your  coat  according  to  your  cloth. 

Your  looking-glass  will   tell  you  what  none 
of  your  friends  will. 

You  gazed  at  the  moon  and  fell  in  the  gutter. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NAT  IONS  171 

FASTI  71 1>  AND    IIOI-YOA  V*. 

'What  is  a   gentleman   without  his  recreations!" — OLD  PLAY. 

IN  the  Games  and  Diversions  of  a  people,  we 
may  trace  the  distinguishing  features  of  the  na- 
tional character ;  and  the  rude  pastimes  of  our 
ancestors  are  a  practical  illustration  of  the  cour- 
'  age  and  hardiness  for  which  they  were  celebra- 
ted. Some  of  the  old  sports  would  be  incompa- 
tible with  the  refinement  of  the  present  day,  but 
others  are  of  a  nature  less  objectionable,  and  the 
memory  of  which  is  worthy  of  preservation. — 
Many  of  the  ancient  Games  and  Holidays  were 
rural  festivities,  commemorative  of  the  return  of 
the  seasons,  and  not  only  innocent  in  themselves, 
but  conducive  to  health  and  good-fellowship. — 
Of  this  description  were  the  May-Games,  the 
Harvest-supper,  the  Feast  of  Sheep  Shearing, 
Midsummer  Eve  rejoicings,  and  the  celebration  of 
the  New  Year:  all  these  may  be  traced  to  the 
earliest  times  ;  indeed  they  are  coeval  with  socie- 
ty, and  the  Feast  of  the  Tabernacle  among  the 
Jews,  and  the  ancient  honors  paid  to  Ceres,  Bac- 
chus, and  Saturn  by  the  heathens,  were  only  an- 
alogous observances,  under  a  different  apella- 

tion. 

A  revival  of  some  of  the  old  Sports  and  Pas- 
times would,  probably,  be  an  improvement  in  na- 
tional manners  ;  and  the  modern  attractions  of 


17?  i-ROVERBS    OF   ALL    NATIONS. 

Rouge  ct  Noir,  French  hazard,  Roulette,  "blue  ru- 
in," and  muddy  porter,  be  beneficially  exchanged 
for  the  more  healthy  recreations  of  former  ages. 
"Worse  practices  within  doors,"  as  .S  to  we  re- 
marks, "it  is  to  be  feared,  have  succeeded  the 
more  open  pastimes  of  the  older  time." 

The  recreations  of  our  Saxon  ancestors  were 
such  as  were  common  among  the  ancient  North- 
ern nations  ;  consisting  mostly  of  robust  exerci- 
ses, as  hunting,  hawking,  leaping,  running,  wrest- 
ling, and  casting  of  darts.  They  were  also  much 
addicted  to  gaming;  a  propensity  unfortunately 
transmitted,  unimpaired,  to  their  descendants  of 
the  present  day.  Chess  was  a  favorite  game  with 
them,  and  likewise  backgammon,  said  to  have 
been  invented  about  the  tenth  century.  The 
Normans  introduced  the  chivalrous  games  of 
tournaments  and  justs.  These  last  became  very 
prevalent  as  we  learn  from  a  satirical  poem  of 
the  thirteenth  century,  a  verse  from  which  has 
been  thus  rendered  by  STRUTT  in  his  "Snorts  and 
Pastimes." 

"If  wealth,  Sir  Knight  perchance  be  thine, 
In  tournaments  you're  bound  to  shine, 
Refuse — and   all    the  world  will  swear. 
You  are  not  worth  a  rotten  pear." 

When  the  military  enthusiasm  which  charac- 
terized the  middle  ages  had  subsided,  and  chiv- 


PROVERBS    OP    ALL    NATIONS.  173 

airy  was  on  the  decline,  a  prodigious  change  took 
place  in  the  manners  of  the  people.  Violent  ex- 
ercises grew  out  of  fashion  with  persons  of  rank, 
and  the  example  of  nobility  was  followed  by  other 
classes.  Henry  VII.  Henry  VIII.  and  James  I, 
endeavored  to  revive  the  ancient  military  exerci- 
ses, but  with  only  ephemeral  success. 

We  learn  from  Burton,  in  his  "Anatomy  of 
Melancholy,"  what  were  the  most  prevalent 
sports  at  the  end  of  the  sixteenth  century.* — 
Hunting,  hawking,  running  at  rings,  tilts  and  tour- 
naments, horse-races  and  wild-goose  chases, 
were  the  pastimes  of  the  gentry  ;  while  the  low- 
er classes  recreated  themselves  at  May-Games, 
Wakes,  Whitson  Ales  ;  by  ringing  of  bells  ;  bow- 
ling, shooting,  wrestling,  leaping,  pitching  the 
bar,  playing  with  keel  pins,  coits,  tronks,  was- 
ters, foils,  foot-ball,  balown,  and  running  at  the 
quintain.  Speaking  of  the  Londoners,  Burton 
says,  'They  take  pleasure  to  see  some  pageant 
or  sight  go  by,  as  at  a  cornation  wedding,  and 
such  like  solemn  niceties  ;  to  see  an  ambassador 
or  prince  received  and  entertained  with  masks, 

*In  his  dry  way,  Old  Burton  says,  cards,  dice,  hawkes  and 
hounds,  are  rocks  upon  which  men  lose  themselves  when  they 
are  improperly  handled  and  beyond  their  fortunes."  Hunting 
and  hawking,  he  allows,  are  honest  recreations,  and  fit  for 
some  gteat  men,  but  not  for  every  base  and  inferior  person, 
who,  while  they  maintain  their  faulkoner,  and  dogs,  and  hunting 
na^s,  their  wealth  runs  away  with  their  hounds,  and  their  far- 
tunes  fly  away  with  hawkes.'' 


174  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

shows,  and  fireworks.'  The  following  he  con- 
siders common  amusements,  both  in  town  and 
country — namely,  "bull-baitings,  and  bear-bait- 
ings, in  which  our  countrymen  and  citizens  great- 
ly delight  and  frequently  use  ;  dancers  on  ropes, 
jugglers,  comedies,  tragedies,  artillery  gardens, 
and  cock-fighting."  The  winter  recreations  con- 
sisted of  cards,  dice,  tables,  shovelboard,  chess, 
the  philosopher's  game,  shuttlecock,  billiards,  mu- 
sic, mask,  dancing,  ule-games,  riddles,  cross  pur- 
poses, merry  tales  of  knights  errant,  thieves, 
witches,  fairies,  and  goblins. 

In  addition  to  the  May-games,  morris-dancing, 
pageants,  and  processions,  which  were  common 
throughout  the  kingdom,  the  Londoners  had  pe- 
culiar privileges  of  hunting,  hawking,  and  fish- 
ing; they  had  also  large  portions  of  ground  allot- 
ted to  them  in  the  vicinity  of  the  city,  for  the 
practice  of  such  pastimes  as  were  not  prohibited; 
and  for  those,  especially,  that  were  conducive  to 
good  health.  On  the  holidays,  during  the  sum- 
mer season,  the  young  men  exercised  themselves 
in  the  fields  with  leaping,  archery,  wrestling,  play- 
ing with  balls,  and  practicing  with  their  wasters 
and  bucklers.  The  city  damsels  had  also  thei. 
recreations,  playing  upon  their  timbrels,  and  da. 
cing  to  the  music,  which  they  often  practiced 
moonlight.  One  writer  says  it  was  customa. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  175 

for  the  maidens  to  dance  in  presence  of  their  mas- 
ters and  mistresses,  while  one  of  their  compan- 
ions played  the  music  on  a  timbrel ,  and  to  stim- 
ulate them,  the  best  dancers  were  rewarded  with 
a  garland ;  the  price  being  exposed  to  public  view 
during  the  performance.  To  this  custom  SPENCER 
alludes, — 

"The  damsels  they  delight, 

When  they   their  timbrels  smite, 

And  thereunto  dance  and  carol  sweet." 

The  London  apprentices  often  amused  them- 
selves with  their  wasters  and  bucklers,  before  the 
doors  of  their  masters.  Hunting,  with  the  Lord 
Mayor's  pack  of  hounds,  was  a  diversion  of  the 
metropolis,  as  well  as  sailing,  rowing,  and  fishing 
on  the  Thames.  Duck-hunting  was  a  favorite 
recreation  in  the  summer,  as  we  learn  from 
Strype. 

Having  thus  given  a  general  view  of  public 
amusements  from  an  early  period,  I  shall  shortly 
describe  some  of  the  most  popular  pastimes,  ma- 
ny of  which  have  been  either  modified  or  sup- 
planted by  other  recreations. 

First,  of  the  game  of  HAND-BALL,  called  by  the 
French,  palm  play,  because  the  exercise  consisted 
in  receiving  the  ball,  and  driving  it  back  again 
with  the  palm  of  the  hand.  Formerly  they  play- 
ed with  the  naked  hand,  then  with  a  glove,  which 


PROVERBS    OF    ALT     NATIONS. 


in  some  instances  was  lined ;  afterwa/ds  they 
bound  cords  and  tendons  round  tne  hands  to  mak« 
the  ball  rebound  more  forcibly  ;  heiic*  tue  racket 
derived  its  origin.  In  the  reigr;  ol'  Charles  I, 
palm  play  was  very  fashionable  in  France,  being 
played  by  the  nobility  for  large  sums  of  money  ; 
when  they  had  lost  all  they  had  about  them,  they 
would  sometimes  pledge  a  part  of  their  dress, 
rather  than  give  up  the  game.  In  England  it  was 
a  favorite  pastime  among  the  youth  of  both  sex- 
es, and  in  many  parts  of  the  kingdom,  they  play- 
ed during  the  Easter  holidays  for  tansy  cakes. — 
It  is  still  played,  though  under  a  different  name, 
and  probably  under  a  different  modification  of 
the  game;  it  is  now  called  FIVES. 

STOOL-BALL  is  frequently  mentioned  by  the  wri- 
ters of  the  last  century,  but  without  any  descrip- 
tion of  the  game.  Dr.  Johnson  describes  it  as  a 
play,  where  balls  are  driven  from  stool  to  stool, 
but  does  not  say  in  what  manner,  or  to  what  pur- 
pose. It  seems  to  have  been  a  game  more  ap- 
propriated to  the  women  than  to  the  men,  but  oc- 
casionally played  by  both  sexes,  as  appears  from 
the  following  song,  written  by  D'Urfey  to  the  play 
of  Don  Quixotte: 

"Down  in  a  vale,  on  a  summer's  day, 
All  the  lads  and  lasses  met  to  be  merry 
A  match  for  kisses  at  stool-ball  to  play, 
And  for  cakes,  and  ale,  and  cider,  and  perry. 
Chorus.     Come  all,  great,  small,  short,  tall,  away  to  stool  ball. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

FOOT-BALL  was  formerly  much  in  vogue 
the  com  >n  people,  though  of  late  years  it  has 
fallen  intx  disrepute,  and  is  little  practiced.  Ma- 
ny Barm's  with  the  ball  require  the  assistance  of 
a  club  or;  bat,  and  probably  the  most  ancient  is 
that  well  known  ^ame  in  the  North,  under  the 
name  of  GUFF.  It  requires  much  room  to  play 
this  game  properly,  therefore  it  is  rarely  seen  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  metropolis.  PALL-M..LL  had 
some  resemblance  to  GofF.  The  game  consisted 
in  striking  a  round  box  ball  with  a  mallet,  through 
two  high  arches  of  iron,  one  at  each  end  of  the 
alley  ;  which  he  that  could  do  at  the  fewest  blows, 
or  at  the  number  agreed  upon,  wins.  It  was  a 
fashionable  amusement  in  the  reign  of  Charles' 
II.  and  a  well  known  street,  then  a  walk  in  St. 
Jame's  Park  derived  its  name  from  Charles  and 
his  courtiers  there  playing  at  mall,  the  denomina- 
tion mall,  being  evidently  derived  from  the  mallet 
or  wooden  hammer  used  by  the  players. 

The  noble  game  of  CRICKET  has  superceded  most 
of  the  ancient  ball  games,  and  this  is  now  so  fre- 
quent a  pastime  among  all  ranks,  that  it  does  not 
require  illustration. 

Running  at  the  Q,uintain  is  a  game  of  great 
antiquity.  The  quintain  at  first  was  nothing 
more  than  the  trunk  of  a  tree  or  post,  set  up  for 
t\.  •  purpose  of  tyros  in  chivalry.  In  process  of 


178  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    RATIONS. 

time,  the  diversion  was  improved,  and  the  re- 
semblance of  a  human  figure,  carved  in  wood, 
was  introduced.  To  render  the  appearance  of 
this  figure  more  formidable,  it  was  generally  made 
in  the  likeness  of  a  Turk  or  Saracen,  armed  at 
all  points :  bearing  a  shield  upon  his  left  arm,  and 
a  sword  in  his  right.  The  quintain  thus  fashion- 
ed was  placed  upon  a  pivot,  and  so  constructed 
as  t~>  move  rouLid  with  great  facility.  In  running 
at  the  figure  it  was  necessary  for  the  horseman 
to  direct  his  lance  with  great  adroitness,  and  make 
his  stroke  upon  the  forehead  between  the  eyes, 
or  upon  the  nose,  for  if  he  struck  wide  of  these 
parts,  especially  upon  the  shield,  the  quintain 
turned  about  with  velocity,  and  if  he  was  not  ex- 
ceedingly careful  would  give  him  a  severe  blow 
on  the  back  with  the  wooden  sabre  held  in  the 
right  hand,  which  was  consi  Jered  highly  disgrace- 
ful to  the  performer,  while  it  excited  the  laughter 
of  the  spectators. 

The  exercise  of  the  quintain  was  practised  in 
London  in  summer,  and  in  winter,  but  especially 
about  Christmas.  Stowe  relates,  he  had  seen  the 
quintain  set  on  Cornhill,  where  "the  attendants 
of  the  lords  of  the  merry  disports  have  ran,  and 
made  great  pastime."  Tilting  or  running  at  the 
ring,  was  evidently  a  sport  derived  from  the  quin- 
tain. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NAT  IONS  179 

Hock-day  was  once  a  popular  holiday,  men- 
tioned by  Mathew  Paris  and  other  ancient  wri- 
ters. It  was  usually  kept  about  Easter,  and  dis- 
tinguished by  various  sportive  pastimes,  in  which 
the  men  and  women,  divided  into  parties,  were 
accustomed  to  bind  and  draw  each  other  with 
ropes.  Hock-day  was  generally  observed,  so  late 
as  the  sixteenth  century. 

Sheep-Shearing  and  the  Harvest-Home  were 
both  celebrated  in  ancient  times,  with  feasting 
and  rustic  sports,  at  the  latter  the  masters  and 
servants  used  to  sit  down  at  the  same  table,  to  a 
plentiful  regale,  and  spend  the  night  in  dancing 
and  singing,  without  distinction.  At  the  present 
day,  excepting  a  dinner,  or  more  frequently  a  sup- 
per, at  conclusion  of  sheep-shearing  and  harvest, 
we  have  little  remains  of  these  great  rural  festiv- 
ities. 

The  advent  of  the  New  Year  is  still  marked 
by  the  observance  of  some  old  customs  ;  the  old 
year  being  considered  well  ended  by  copious  li- 
bations, and  the  new  by  sending  presents,  term- 
ed New- Year  gifts,  to  friends  and  acquaintances. 
Young  women  formerly  went  about  with  the  fa- 
mous Wassail  bowl;  that  is,  a  bowl  of. spiced  ale 
on  New  Year's  eve,  with  some  verses  which  were 
sung  by  them  in  going  from  door  to  door. 

FAIUS  were  formerly  a  great  kind  of  market,  to 


180  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 


which  people  resorted  periodically,  for  the  pur- 
chass  of  all  kinds  of  necessaries  for  the  ensuing 
year.  One  of  the  chief  of  them,  was  that  of  St. 
Gile's  Hill,  near  Winchester;  it  was  at  first  for 
three  days,  but  afterwards  by  Henry  III.  prolong- 
ed to  sixteen  days.  Its  jurisdiction  extended 
seven  miles  round ;  comprehending  even  South- 
ampton, then  a  capital  trading  town.  A  toll  was 
levied  on  all  merchandise  brought  to  the  fair,  the 
produce  of  which  had  been  given  by  the  Con- 
queror to  the  bishop  of  Rochester. 

Fairs  were  often  the  anniversary  of  the  dedica- 
tion of  a  church,  when  tradesmen  used  to  sell 
their  wares  in  the  churchyard  ;  as  at  Westmin- 
ster on  St.  Peter's  day ;  at  London,  on  St.  Barthol- 
omew's ;  at  Durham,  on  St.  Cuthbort's  day. — 
They  have  long  been  on  the  decline  in  public  es- 
timation. Southwark  fair,  May  fair,  and  St. 
Jame's  fair,  in  the  city  of  Westminster,  were  sup- 
pressed at  the  beginning  of  the  last  century  ;  and 
if  the  present  hostility  of  the  magistrates  contin- 
ues to  these  annual  assemblages,  few  will  short- 
ly remain  in  the  villages  and  hamlets  round  the 
metropolis. 

May-Games  are  of  great  antiquity,  and  were 
formerly  generally  celebrated,  especially  in  the 
metropolis.  Stowe  says,  on  May-day,  in  the 
morning,  the  citizens  used  to  walk  "into  the  sweet 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL,    NAT1OJSS. 

meadows,  and  green  woods,  there  to  rejoice  their 
spirits  with  the  beauty  and  savor  of  sweet  flow- 
ers," and  he  gives  an  account  of  Henry  VIII. 
riding  a  Maying  from  Greenwich  to  Shooter's 
hill,  with  Queen  Catherine,  accompanied  with 
many  lords  and  ladies.  He  further  says,  "that 
every  parish,  and  sometimes  two  or  three  parish- 
es, joining  together,  had  their  Mayings,  and  did 
fetch  in  May-poles,  with  divers  warlike  shows, 
with  good  archers,  morris-dancers,  and  other  de- 
vices for  pastime,  all  the  day  long ;  and,  towards 
evening,  they  had  stage  plays  and  bonfires  in  the 
streets.1'  It  was  a  custom  to  elect  a  lord  and  la- 
dy of  the  May,  who  presided  over  the  sports. — 
Robin  Hood  and  his  merry  companions  were  per- 
sonified in  appropriate  dresses,  and  added  much 
to  the  pageantry  of  the  May  games.  He  presi- 
ded as  lord  of  the  May,  and  a  female,  or  a  man 
habited  like  a  female,  called  the  Maid  Marian,  his 
faithful  mistress,  was  the  lady  of  the  May.  The 
May-pole,  in  some  villages  stood  a  whole  year 
without  molestation.  The  only  remains  of  May- 
games  in  the  south  is  Jack-in-the-green,  who  still 
parades  the  streets ;  though  a  very  trumpery  rep- 
resentation of  the  old  sports. 

The  Whitsuntide  Holidays  were  celebrated  by 
various  pastimes  and  drolleries,  Strutt  says,  that 
at  Kiddlington,  in  Oxfordshire,  a  fat  lamb  was  pro- 


182  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 


vided  ;  and  the  maidens  of  the  town,  having  their 
thumbs  tied  behind  them,  were  permitted  to  run 
after  it ;  and  she  who,  with  her  mouth,  took  hold 
of  the  lamb,  was  declared  the  lady  of  the  Lamb; 
which  being  killed  and  cleaned,  but  with  skin 
hanging  upon  it,  was  carried  in  procession  be- 
fore the  lady  and  her  companions  to  the  green, 
attended  with  music,  and  a  morris  dance  of  men, 
and  another  of  women.  The  rest  of  the  day  was 
spent  in  mirth  and  glee. 

Country  Wakes  are  the  last  rural  holiday  I 
shall  notice  :  they  were  generally  observed  in  the 
northern  and  southern  parts  of  the  kingdom,  con- 
sisting of  feasting,  dancing  on  the  green,  wrest- 
ling, and  cudgel  playing.  They  were  originally 
intended  to  commemorate  the  dedication  of  the 
parish  church,  when  the  people  \rent  to  pray  with 
lighted  torches,  and  returned  to  feast  the  remain- 
der of  the  night. 

To  these  rural  pastimes  and  ancient  sports  suc- 
ceeded the  less  healthy  amusements  of  balancing, 
tumbling  and  guggling — the  tricks  performed  by 
bears,  monkeys,  horses,  and  dancing  dogs.  Ast- 
ley's  Amphitheatre  and  the  royal  circus  exhibited 
feats  of  equestrianship.  Music  began  to  form  a 
principal  ingredient  in  popular  amusements  and 
Vauxhall,  Ranelagh,  Sadler's  Wells,  and  the  Ma- 
rybonne  Gardens,  were  the  chief  marts  forrecre- 


PROVERBS    OK    ALL    NATIONS.  183 

ation.  These,  with  the  great  attraction  and  va- 
riety of  dramatic  entertainments,  and  a  more 
sedulous  devotion  to  cards,  dice,  and  billiards, 
have  continued,  to  the  present  day,  the  prevalent 
amusements. 

CUSTOMS  AND  CEREMONIES. 

Many  of  our  ancient  customs  and  ceremonies 
may  be  traced  to  the  remotest  period  and  the  most 
distant  nations  ;  and  few  but  have  had  their  orig- 
in prior  to  the  time  of  the  Reformation.  I  sha!l 
briefly  describe  a  few  of  the  most  remarkable, 
premising  that  the  facts  are  chiefly  collected  from 
the  curious  and  interesting  work  of  the  late  Mr. 
Brand,  on  "popular  Antiquities." 

On  Midsummer-Eve,  fires  were  lighted,  round 
which  the  old  and  young  amused  themselves  in 
various  rustic  pastimes.  In  London,  in  addition 
to  t.hc  ooniires,  every  man's  door  was  shaded  with 
green  birch,  long  fennel,  Sain't  John's  wort,  and 
white  lilies  ;  ornamented  with  garlands  of  flow- 
ers. The  citizen's  had,  also  lamps  of  glass,  with 
oil  burning  in  them  all  night;  and  some  of  them 
hung  out  branches  of  iron,  curiously  wrought, 
containing  hundreds  of  lamps  lighted  at  once, 
which  made  a  very  splendid  appearance.  On 
these  occasions,  Stowo  says,  New  Fish-street  and 
Thames-street  were  peculiarly  brilliant. 


184  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

It  is  a  ceremony,  says  Browne,  never  omitted 
among  the  vulgar,  to  draw  lots  which  they  term 
Valentines  on  the  eve  before  Valentine-day. — 
The  names  of  a  select  number  of  one,  with  an 
equal  number  of  the  other  sex,  are  put  into  some 
vessel ;  and,  after  that,  every  one  draws  a  name, 
which  for  the  present  is  called  their  Valentine; 
and  is  looked  upon  as  a  good  omen  of  being  man 
and  wife  afterwards.  Brand  says,  the  custom  of 
choosing  Valentines  was  a  sport  practised  in  the 
houses  of  the  gentry  in  England,  so  early  as  the 
year  1476. 

In  the  north  of  England,  the  Monday  preceding 
Shrove-Tuesday,  or  Pancake  Tuesday,  is  called 
Collop  Monday  ;  eggs  and  collops  forming  a  prin- 
cipal dish  at  dinner  on  that  day,  as  pancakes  do 
on  the  following,  from  which  custom  they  derive 
their  names.  It  would  seem,  that  on  Collop  Mon- 
day they  took  their  leave  of  flesh  in  the  papal 
times,  which  was  formerly  prepared  to  last  during 
the  winter  by  salting,  drying,  and  being  hung  up. 
Slices  of  this  kind  of  meat  are,  to  this  day,  called 
collops  in  the  North;  whence  they  are  called 
steaks  when  cut  off  fresh,  or  unsalted  flesh. 

Hollow  Eve,  called  in  the  North,  Nutcrack 
Night,  is  the  vigil  of  All-Saints'  Day,  which  is  on 
the  first  of  November;  when  it  is  the  custom,  in 
the  North  of  England,  to  dive  for  apples,  or  catch 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL   NATIONS.  185 

at  them,  suspended  from  a  string-,  with  their  mouths 
only,  their  hands  tied  behind  their  backs.  In 
Scotland,  the  young  women  determine  the  figure 
and  size  of  their  husbands,  on  Hallow  Eve,  by 
drawing  cabbages,  blindfolded  and,  like  the  En- 
glish, fling  nuts  into  the  fire.  Burning  the  nuts 
answers  also  the  purpose  of  divination.  They 
name  the  lad  and  lass  to  each  particular  nut  as 
they  put  them  into  the  fire ;  and  accordingly  as 
they  burn  quietly  together,  or  start  from  beside 
each  other,  the  course  and  issue  of  the  courtship 
will  be.  In  Ireland,  the  young  women  put  three 
nuts  upon  the  bar  of  the  grates  naming  the  nnts 
after  the  lovers.  If  a  nut  cracks,  or  jumps,  the 
lover  will  prove  unfaithful ;  if  it  begins  to  blaze 
or  burn,  he  has  a  regard  for  the  person  making 
the  trial.  If  the  nuts,  mentioned  after  the  girl 
and  her  sweetheart,  burn  together,  they  will  be 
married.  A  similar  mode  of  divination  by  means 
of  a  peascod,  is  described  by  Gay. 

"As  peascods  once  I  pluck'd,  I  chanced  to  see 
One  that  was  closely  fill'd  with  three  times  three  ; 
Which  when  I  cropp'd,  I  safely  home  convey'd, 
And  o'er  the  door  the  spell  in  secret  laid  ; 
The  latch  moved  up,  when  who  should  first  come  in, 
But  in  his  proper  person, — Lubberkin!" 

The  election  of  a  Boy  Bishop  on  St.  Nicholas' 
Day  is  one  of  the  most  singular  customs  of  former 
times.  In  catherdrals,  the  Boy  Bishop  was  elected 


198  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

from  among  the  children  of  the  choir.  After  his 
election,  being  completely  apparelled  in  the  epis- 
copal vestments,  with  a  mitre  and  crozier,  he  bore 
the  title  and  state  of  a  bishop,  and  exacted  cere- 
monial obedience  from  his  fellows,  who  were 
habited  like  priests.  What  is  most  strange,  he 
took  possession  of  the  church,  and,  except  mass, 
performed  all  the  ceremonies  and  offices.  At 
Salisbury,  the  Boy  Bishop  had  the  power  of  dis- 
posing of  such  prebends  as  happened  to  be  vacant 
in  the  days  of  his  episcopacy ;  and  if  he  died  in 
his  high  office,  the  funeral  honors  of  a  bishop, 
with  a  monument,  were  granted  to  him.  His 
office  and  authority  lasted  from  the  6th  to  the 
28th  of  December. 

This  ceremony  is  said  to  have  leen  in  honor 
of  St.  Nicholas,  the  patron  of  scholars.  Such  a 
show,  at  the  present  day,  would  have  been  deemed 
somewhat  of  a  burlesque,  or  even  blasphemous 
oarody  on  the  Christian  religion.  The  show  of 
the  Boy  Bishop  was  abolished  by  proclamation 
in  1542,  more  from  its  absurdity  than  impiety. 

The  Montem,  at  Eton,  bears  some  resemblance 
to  the  preceding  pageant ;  modified,  in  conformity 
with  the  altered  feelings  of  the  times,  from  a  reli- 
gious to  a  military  spectacle.  The  Montem  takes 
place  on  Tuesday  in  Whitsun  week,  when  the 
Eton  Scholars  go  in  military  procession,  with 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  187 

drums  and  trumpets,  to  Salt-hill.  The  scholars 
of  the  superior  classes  dress  in  the  uniform  of 
captain,  lieutenant,  or  other  regimental  officer; 
which  they  obtain  from  London.  The  procession 
begins  with  marching  three  times  round  the  school 
yard ;  from  thence  to  Salt-Hill,  where  one  of  the 
scholars,  dressed  in  black  with  a  band,  as  chap- 
lain, reads  certain  prayers;  after  which  a  dinner, 
dressed  in  the  college  kitchen,  is  provided  by  the 
captain  for  his  guests  at  the  inn  there;  the  rest 
getting  a  dinner  for  themselves  at  the  other  houses 
of  entertainment.  The  price  of  the  dinner  in 
Huggett's  time  was  iOs.  6d.  and  2s.  6d.  more  ior 
?alt-money.  The  dinner  being  over,  they  march 
back,  in  the  order  they  came,  into  the  school  yard, 
round  which  they  march  three  times,  when  the 
ceremony  is  concluded. 

The  motto  on  the  colors  is,  Pro  More  et  Monte. 
Every  scholar,  who  is  no  officer,  marches  with  a 
long  pole,  two  and  two.  Before  the  procession 
begirs,  two  of  the  scholars,  called  salt-bearers, 
dressed  in  white,  with  a  handkerchief  of  salt  in 
their  hands,  and  attended  each  with  some  sturdy 
young  fellow,  hired  for  the  occasion,  go  round 
the  college,  and  through  the  town,  and  from  thence 
up  into  the  high  road,  offering  salt  to  all,  but 
scarcely  leaving  it  to  their  choice,  whether  they 
will  give  or  not;  for  money  they  will  have,  if 


188  PROVERBS    OF   ALL    NATIONS. 

possible,  and  that  even  from  servants.  The  con 
tributions  thus  levied  are  very  considerable ;  in 
1793  they  amounted  to  1000/.,  but  that  was  an 
unusual  sum,  the  average  being  about  500/.  The 
salt  money  paid  by  the  king  on  this  occasion  is 
100  guineas.  The  custom  of  offering  salt  is  dif- 
ferently explained:  it  is  supposed  to  be  an  em- 
blem of  learning;  and  the  scholars,  in  presenting 
it  to  passengers,  and  asking  money,  engage  to 
become  proficient  therein. 

Royal-oak  day,  as  every  one  knows,  commem- 
orates the  escape  of  Charles  the  second  from  his 
pursuers,  after  the  battle  of  Worcester.  Brand 
relates,  that  he  remembered  a  taunting  rhyme, 
with  which  the  boys  at  Newcastle-upon-Tyne 
used  to  insult  such  persons  as  they  met  on  that 
day,  who  had  not  oak  leaves  in  their  hats : 

Royal  oak, 

The  Whigs  to  provoke." 

To  this  was  a  retort  courteous  by  others,  who 
contemptuously  wore  plane-tree  leaves,  of  the 
same  homely  diction  : 

"  Plane-tree  leaves ; 
The  Church-folks  are  thieves/' 

The  royal  oak,  at  a  short  distance  from  Bosco- 
bel-house,  was  standing  in  Dr.  Stukely's  time 
(1724,)  enclosed  with  a  brick-wall,  but  almost  cut 
away  in  the  middle  by  travelers,  whose  curiosity 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NAT  IONS.  189 

lead  them  to  see  it.  Charles,  after  the  Restoration 
visiting  the  place,  carried  away  some  of  the 
acorns  and  set  them  in  St.  James'  Park,  and  used 
to  water  them  himself. 

The  Passing  Bell  was  anciently  rung  for  two 
purposes  :  one,  to  bespeak  the  prayers  of  all  good 
Christians  for  a  soul  just  departing  ;  the  other,  to 
fright  away  the  evil  spirits  who  stood  at  the  bed's 
foot,  and  about  the  house,  ready  to  seize  their 
prey ;  or,  at  least,  to  molest  and  terrify  the  soul 
in  its  passage  ;  but  by  the  ringing  of  that  bell 
they  were  kept  aloof;  and  the  soul,  like  a  hunted 
hare,  gained  the  start,  or  had  what  by  sportsmen 
is  called  law.  Hence,  perhaps,  exclusive  of  addi- 
tional labor,  was  occasioned  the  high  price  de- 
manded for  tolling  the  greater  bell  of  the  church  , 
for  that  being  louder,  the  evil  spirits  must  go  far- 
ther off,  it  would  likewise  procure  the  deceased  a 
great  number  of  prayers. 

Mothering  Sunday,  or  Mid- Lent  Sunday,  is  the 
day  on  which  the  people  used  to  visit  their  mother 
church,  and  make  their  offerings  at  the  high  altar. 
1  ne  only  remains  of  this  custom  is  the  practice 
of  going  to  visit  parents  on  Mid-Lent  sunday. 

"April  -with  fools  and  May,  with  bastards  ble*t-" — CHURCHILL. 

A  custom  says    The  Spectator,  prevail*  every 
where  amongst  us  on   the  first  of  April, 
every  body  strives  to  make  as  many  fools  as 


190  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

can.  The  wit  consists  chiefly  in  sending  persons 
on  what  are  called  sleeveless  errands,  for  the 
History  of  Eve's  Mother  for  Pigeon's  Milk,  with 
similar  ridiculous  absurdities.  The  French  called 
the  person  imposed  upon,  a  Poisson  d'Avril,  "  an 
April  fish,"  who  we  term  an  April  fool.  In  the 
North  of  England,  persons  thus  imposed  upon  are 
called  "  April  Gowk" — Gowk  being  the  word  for 
a  cuckoo — metaphorically,  a  fool.  In  Scotland, 
they  send  silly  people  from  place  to  place,  by 
means  of  letter,  in  which  is  written — 

"  On  the  first  day  of  April, 
Hunt  the  Gowk  another  mile !" 

Similar  fooleries  prevail  in  Portugal,  as  we 
learn  from  Mr.  Southey.  "  On  the  Sunday  and 
Monday,"  says  he,  "  preceding  Lent,  as  on  the 
first  of  April,  in  England,  people  are  privileged 
here  (Lisbon)  to  play  the  fool.  It  is  thought  very 
jocose  to  pour  water  on  any  person  who  passes, 
or  throw  water  on  his  face ;  but  to  do  both  is  the 
perfection  of  wit." 

Mr.  Brand  has  not  ascertained  the  origin  of  All- 
FooFs  day.  It  has  been  stated,  it  arose  from  the 
custom  of  letting  all  the  insane  persons  be  at 
large  on  the  first  of  April,  when  the  boys  amused 
themselves  by  sending  them  on  ridiculous  errands. 

Maunday  Thursday  is  the  Thursday  before 
Easter,  and  is  the  Thursday  of  the  poor,  from  the 


PROVEKBS    OF    ALL    NATlOAh.  19] 

French  Mcndier,  "  to  beg."  It  was  formerly  the 
custom  of  the  Kings  of  England  to  wash  the  feet 
of  poor  men,  in  number  equal  to  the  years  of  their 
reign,  in  imitation  of  the  humility  of  our  Saviour; 
and  give  them  shoes,  stockings,  and  money. — 
James  the  Second  was  the  last  king  who  perform- 
ed this  in  person.  The  custom  of  giving  alms  is 
still  continued. 

The  Shamrock  is  said  to  be  worn  by  the  Irish 
on  St.  Patrick's  Day,  in  memory  of  the  means 
resorted  to  by  their  patron  Saint,  to  convert  them 
to  Christianity.  When  St.  Patrick  landed  near 
Wicklow,  the  natives  were  ready  to  stone  him  for 
attempting  an  innovation  in  the  religion  of  their 
ancestors.  He  requested  to  be  heard,  and 
explained  to  them,  that  God  is  an  omnipotent 
spirit,  who  created  heaven  and  earth,  and  that 
the  Trinity  contained  the  Unity ;  but  they  were 
reluctant  to  give  credit  to  his  words.  St.  Patrick 
then  plucked  a  treefoil,  or  three-leaved  grass  with 
one  stalk,  exclaiming,  "  Is  it  not  as  possible  for 
the  Father,  Son,  arid  Holy  Ghost,  to  be  in  one,  as 
for  these  three  leaves  to  grow  upon  a  single  stalk?" 
Then  the  Irish  were  immediately  convinced  of 
their  error,  and  were  solemnly  baptized  by  St. 
Patrick. 

It  was  a  general  custom,  and  is  still  observed 
m  some  parishes,  to  go  round  the  bounds  and 


192  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

limits  of  the  parish,  on  one  of  the  three  days  be- 
fore Holy  Thursday ;  when  the  minister,  accom- 
panied by  his  church- wardens  and  parishioners 
were  wont  to  deprecate  the  vengeance  of  God, 
beg  a  blessing  upon  the  fruits  of  the  earth,  and 
preserve  the  rights  and  boundaries  of  the  parish. 
It  is  supposed  to  have  been  derived  from  the  an- 
cients, in  imitation  of  the  feast  culled  Tcrminalia, 
which  was  dedicated  to  the  god  Terminus,  whom 
they  considered  the  guardian  of  fields  and  land- 
marks, and  the  preserver  of  friendship  and  peace. 
In  London,  these  parochial  perambulations  are 
still  kept  up  on  Holy  Thursday;  Hooker,  author 
of  Ecclesiastical  polity,  would  by  no  means  omit 
the  customary  procession ;  persuading  all,  both 
rich  and  poor,  if  they  desired  the  preservation  oi 
love,  and  their  parish  rights  and  liberties,  to  ac- 
company him  in  his  perambulation. 

The  custom  of  electing  municipal  officers  and 
magistrates  at  Michaelmas  is  still  observed,  as 
well  as  the  old  fare  of  a  roast  goose  to  dinner. — 
Perhaps  no  reason  can  be  given  for  this  latter 
custom,  but  that  Michaelmas  day  was  a  great 
festival,  and  stubble  geese  at  that  time  were  plen- 
tiful and  good. 

"Geese  now  in  their  prime  season  are, 
Which  if  well  roasted  are  good  fare." 

Poor  Rabbin's  Almanac,  1695 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS  193 

Some  ascribe  the  eating  of  goose  at  Michael- 
mas, to  the  circumstance,  that  on  that  day  Queen 
Elizabeth  received  the  news  of  the  defeat  of  the 
Spanish  Armada,  while  she  was  eating  a  goose; 
and  to  commemorate  the  event,  she  ever  after- 
wards dined  on  that  day  on  a  goose.  But,  as 
Brand  observes,  this  is  a  strong  proof  that  the 
custom  prevailed  at  court  even  in  Queen  Eliza- 
beth's time.  In  Denmark,  where  the  harvest  is 
later,  every  family  has  a  roasted  goose  for  supper 
on  St.  Martin's  Eve. 


CHRISTMAS    CUSTOMS. 

D  was  always  famous  among  foreigners 
for  the  celebration  of  Christmas,  at  which  season 
they  admitted  sports  and  pastimes,  not  known  in 
other  countries. 

"  At  the  feast  of  Christmas,"  says  Stowe,  "  in 
the  King's  court,  wherever  he  chanced  to  reside, 
there  was  appointed  a  Lord  of  Misrule,  or  master 
of  merry  disports:  the  same  merry  fellow  made 
his  appearance  at  the  house  of  every  noble  man 
and  person  of  distinction ;  and,  among  the  rest, 
the  lord  mayor  of  London,  and  the  sheriffs  had 
their  lords  of  misrule,  ever  contending,  wi  thout 

quarrel  or  offence,  who  should  make  the   i  arest 
13 


194  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

pastime  to  delight  the  beholders.''  The  society 
of  Lincoln's  Inn  had  an  officer  chosen  at  this 
season,  who  was  honored  with  the  title  of  King 
of  Christmas  iJay,  because  he  presided  in  the  hall 
on  that  day,  with  his  marshal  and  steward  to 
attend  him.  The  marshal,  in  the  absence  of  the 
monarch,  was  permitted  to  assume  his  state;  and 
upon  New- Year's  day  he  sat  as  king  in  the  hall, 
when  the  master  of  the  revels,  during  the  time 
of  dining,  supplied  the  marshal's  place. 

The  custom  of  going  a-begging,  called  Hag- 
mena,  a  few  nights  before  Christmas,  singing 
Christmas  carols,  and  wishing  a  happy  New  Year, 
is  still  followed  in  the  North  of  England.  They 
get,  in  return,  apples,  nuts,  refreshments,  and 
money.  Mumming  is  another  Christmas  drollery, 
which  consists  in  men  and  women  changing 
clothes ;  and,  so  disguised,  going  from  one  neigh- 
bour's house  to  another,  partaking  of  Christmas 
cheer. 

On  the  night  of  Christmas  Eve,  it  was  formerly 
the  practice  to  light  up  candles,  of  an  uncommon 
size,  called  Christmas  candles,  and  lay  a -log  of 
wood  on  the  fire,  called  a  Yule  Clog,  to  illuminate 
the  house,  and  turn,  as  it  were,  day  into  night. 
In  the  Latin,  or  Western  church,  Chistmas  was 
called  the  Feast  of  Lights. 

The  forms  of  the  Twelth  Day  vary  in  different 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  195 

countries,  yet  all  agree  in  the  same  end,  to  do 
honor  to  the  Eastern  Magi,  who  are  supposed  to 
have  been  of  royal  dignity.  It  is  in  the  South  of 
England  where  the  customs  of  this  day  are  most 
prevalent.  They  are  thus  described  by  Brand. 
After  tea,  a  cake  is  produced  and  two  bowls  con- 
taining the  fortunate  chances  for  the  different 
sexes.  The  host  fills  up  the  tickets,  and  the  whole 
company,  except  the  king  and  queen  are  to  be 
ministers  of  state,  and  maids  of  honor,  or  ladies 
of  the  bedchamber.  Often  the  host  and  hostess, 
more  by  design  than  accident,  become  king  and 
queen.  The  twelfth-cake  was  made  formerly  of 
plums,  with  a  bean  and  pea: — who  found  the 
former,  was  king;  who  got  the  latter,  was  queen. 
The  choosing  of  a  king  and  queen,  by  a  bean  in 
a  piece  of  divided  cake,  was  formerly  a  common 
Christmas  gambol  in  both  the  Universities. 

Christmas  Boxes  are  derived  from  a  custom  of 
the  ancients,  of  giving  New  Year's  Gifts.  In 
papal  times,  the  priests  had  their  Christmas  box, 
in  which  were  kept  the  sum  they  levied  on  the 
people  for  prayers,  and  granting  absolution  for 
sins. 

Decking  houses  and  churches  with  evergreens 
is  another  custom  of  pagan  origin.  The  ancient 
Druids  decked  their  houses  with  holly  and  ivy  in 
December,  that  the  sylvan  spirits  might  repair  to 


196  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATION'S. 

them,  and  remain  unnipped  by  the  frost  and  cold 
\vinds  till  a  milder  season  had  renewed  the  foliage 
of  their  favorite  abodes. 

But  for  a  more  particular  account  of  Christmas 
customs  and  festivities  we  must  refer  the  reader 
to  Mr.  Brand's  large  work,  or  to  Washington 
Irving.  I  shall  conclude  with  a  good  old  Christ- 
mas carol  from  Poor  Robin's  Almanac,  for  1G95, 
and  preserved  in  Brand's  Popular  Antiquities. 

A  CHRISTMAS  SOXG. 

Now  thrice  welcome,  Christmas, 

Which  brings  us  good  cheer : 
Minc'd  pies  and  plum  pudding, 

Good  ale,  and  strong  beer ; 
With  pig,  goose,  and  capon, 

The  best  that  may  be  ; 
So  well  doth  the  weather 

And  our  stomachs  agree 

Observe  how  the  chimneys 

Do  all  smoke  about ; 
The  cooks  are  providing 

For  dinner,  no  doubt ; 
But  those  on  whose  table 

No  victuals  appear, 
Oh  may  they  keep  Lent 

All  the  rest  of  the  year! 

With  holly  and  ivy. 

So  green  and  so  gay, 
We  deck  up  our  houses, 

As  fresh  as  the  day ; 


PROVEKKS    OF    ALL,    NATIONS.  197 

With  bays  and  rosemary, 

And  laural  complete ; 
And  every  one  now 

Is  a  king  in  conceit. 

But  as  for  curmudgeons 

Who  will  not  be  free, 
I  wish  they  may  die 

Ou  a  three  legged  tree . 


POPULAR   SUPERSTITIONS. 

IT  would  occupy  a  large  volume  merely  to  enu- 
merate the  superstitious  practices  still  prevalent 
in  different  parts  of  the  country,  many  of  which 
are  observed  in  the  metropolis ;  and  even  well 
educated  persons  will  call  to  mind  with  what 
avidity  in  childhood  they  listened  to  nursery  tales 
of  giants,  dwarfs,  ghosts,  fairies,  and  witches. 
The  effect  of  these  juvenile  impressions  are  not 
easily  got  the  better  of,  and  the  impressions  them- 
selves rarely,  if  ever,  forgotten. 

To  doubt,  in  former  times,  the  power  of  charms, 
and  the  veracity  of  omens  and  ghost  stories,  was 
deemed  little  less  than  atheism ;  and  the  terror 
caused  by  them,  frequently  embittered  the  lives 
of  persons  of  all  ages ;  by  almost  shutting  them 
out  of  their  own  houses,  and  deterring  them  from 
eoing  abroad  after  dark.  The  room  in  which  the 


198  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIOXS. 

head  of  a  family  died  was  for  a  long  time  unten- 
anted;  particularly  if  they  died  without  a  will, 
or  were  supposed  to  have  entertained  any  partic- 
ular religious  opinion.  If  any  disconsolate  old 
maiden  or  love-crossed  bachelor  happened  to  de- 
spatch themselves  in  their  garters,  the  room  where 
the  fatal  deed  was  perpetrated  was  rendered  ever 
after  uninhabitable,  and  not  unfrequently  nailed 
up.  If  a  drunken  farmer,  says  Grose,  returning 
from  market,  fell  from  Old  Dobbin  and  broke  his 
neck — or  a  carter,  in  the  same  predicament,  tum- 
bled from  his  cart  or  wagon,  and  was  killed  by  it 
— that  spot  ever  after  was  haunted  and  impassa- 
ble :  in  short,  there  was  scarcely  a  by-lane  or 
cross-way,  but  had  its  ghost,  who  appeared  in  the 
shape  of  a  headless  cow  or  horse ;  or,  clothed  all  in 
white,  glared,  with  baleful  eye,  over  some  lonely 
gate  or  stile.  Ghosts  of  higher  degree  rode  in 
coaches,  drawn  by  six  headless  horses,  and  driven 
by  a  headless  coachman  and  postillion.  Almost 
every  manor-house  was  haunted  by  some  of  its 
former  masters  or  mistresses,  where,  besides  other 
noises,  that  of  telling  money  was  distinctly  heard: 
and  a^  for  the  church-yards,  the  number  of  ghosts 
that  swarmed  there  according  to  the  village  com- 
putation, equalled  the  living  parishioners,  and  to 
pass  through  them  was  a  far  more  perilous  enter- 
prise than  the  storming  of  Badajos  ! 


PROVERB  SOP    ALL    NATIONS.  190 

Terrible  and  inconvenient  as  these  superstitions 
might  be,  they  were  harmless  compared  with  the 
dreadful  consequences  resulting  from  a  belief  in 
Witchcraft — which  even  made  its  way  into  our 
courts  of  justice;  and  it  is  with  horror  we  read 
of  hundreds  of  innocent  persons  entitled,  by  age 
and  infirmities,  to  protection  and  indulgence,  im- 
molated, with  all  the  forms  of  law,  at  the  shrine 
of  universal  ignorance  !  Artful  priests,  to  advance 
the  interests  of  their  religion,  or  rather  their  own 
emolument,  pretended  to  have  power  to  cast  out 
devils  from  demoniacs  and  persons  bewitched,  and 
for  this  purpose  suborned  worthless  people  to  act 
the  part  of  persons  possessed,  and  to  suffer  the 
evil  spirits  to  be  cast  out  by  prayers  and  sprink- 
ling with  holy  water.  To  perform  their  parts  they 
counterfeited  violent  fits  and  convulsions,  on  signs 
given  them ;  and,  in  compliance  with  the  popular 
notions,  vomited  up  crooked  nails,  pins,  needles, 
coals,  and  other  rubbish,  privately  conveyed  to 
them.  Fortunately,  these  combinations  were  at 
length  discovered  and  exposed;  but  it  is  an  aston- 
ishing fact,  that  in  New  England  there  were,  at 
one  time,  upwards  of  three  hundred  persons  all 
imprisoned  for  witchcraft. 

Confuted  and  ridiculed  as  these  opinions  have 
lately  been,  the  seeds  of  them  are  still  widely  dif- 
fused, and  at  different  times  have  attempted  to 


5200  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

spring  up,  as  in  the  Cock-lane  Ghost,  the  noises 
at  Stockwell,  and  the  Samptbrd  Ghost.  So  re- 
cently as  in  the  last  reign,  in  the  centre  of  England 
at  Glen  in  Leicestershire,  two  old  women  were 
actually  thrown  into  the  river  by  the  populace,  to 
ascertain,  by  their  sinking  or  swimming,  whether 
they  were  witches !  Have  we  not  even  at  the 
present  day  the  pretended  miracles  of  Prince 
Hohenloe,  and  do  we  not  daily  read  of  the  horrid 
cruelties  perpetrated  in  Ireland,  under  the  pre- 
tence of  casting  out  evil  spirits  ?  How  can  we 
doubt  the  wide  diffusion  of  popular  superstitions, 
when  it  is  notorious,  that  men  of  firstrate  educa 
tion  and  intellect  have  been  believers  therein ! 
Dr.  Johnson  was  a  scrupulous  observer  of  sijrns, 
omens,  and  particular  days ;  Addisou  was  a  half- 
believer,  at  least,  in  ghosts;  John  Wesley  saw  or 
heard  ^eral  apparitions;  and  at  this  very  time 
we  have  the  Poet  Lauerate  and  Sir  Walter  Scott 
endeavoring  to  revive  all  the  ancient  phantasma- 
goria of  elves,  fairies,  witches,  giants,  and  dwarfs 
— not  forgetting  the  philosopher's  stone,  and  the 
sublime  mysteries  of  Jacob  Behmen  ! 

GHOSTS. 

These  are  supposed  to  be  the  spirits  of  persons 
deceased  ,  who  are  either  commissioned  to  return 
for  some  especial  errand,  such  as  the  discovery  of 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  201 

a  murder;  to  procure  restitution  of  lands,  unjustly 
withheld  from  an  orphan  or  widow — or,  having 
committed  some  injustice  while  living,  cannot  rest 
till  that  is  redressed.  Sometimes  their  earthly 
mission  is  to  inform  their  heir  in  what  secret  place, 
or  private  drawer  in  an  old  trunk,  they  had  hid- 
den the  title-deeds  of  the  estate ;  or  where  in 
troublesome  times  they  had  buried  their  money  or 
plate.  Some  ghosts  of  murdered  persons,  whose 
bodies  have  been  secretly  buried,  cannot  be  at 
ease  till  their  bones  have  been  grubbed  up,  and 
deposited  in  consecrated  ground,  with  all  the  rites 
of  Christian  burial. 

Ghosts  are  supposed  to  be  mere  aerial  beings, 
that  can  glide  through  a  stone  wall,  a  key-hole, 
or  even  the  eye  of  a  tailor's  needle.  They  usu- 
ally appear  about  midnight,  seldom  before  it  is 
dark  ;  though  some  audacious  spirits  have  appear- 
ed even  by  day-light;  but  of  these  there  are  few 
instance:-:,  and  those  mostly  ghosts  that  have  been 
laid  in  the  Red  sea,  and  whose  term  of  imprison- 
ment had  expired :  these,  like  felons  returned  from 
1  Jot  any  Bay,  are  said  to  return  more  daring  and 
troublesome  than  before.  Dragging  chains  is  not 
the  fashion  of  English  ghosts ;  chains  and  black 
vestments  being  chiefly  the  habiliments  of  foreign 
spirits,  seen  in  the  dominions  of  the  Holy  Alliance: 
living  or  dead,  English  spirits  are  free  !  One  sol- 


Z02  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NAT  IONS. 


itary  instance  occurs  of  an  English  ghost  dressed 
in  black,  in  the  well-known  ballad  of  William 
and  Margaret : 

And  clay-cold  was  her  lily  hand 
That  held  her  SABLE  SHEOUD. 

This,  however,  is  conjectured  to  be  merely  a 
poetical  license,  used  for  the  bold  contrast — the 
essence  of  the  picturesque — of  lily  to  sable. 

If,  during  the  time  of  an  appariton,  there  is  a 
lighted  candle  in  the  room,  it  burns  deeply  blue  : 
this  is  so  universally  admitted,  that  many  first- 
rate  philosophers  have  busied  themselves  in  ac- 
counting for  it,  without  once  doubting  the  truth  of 
the  fact.  Dogs  have  the  faculty  of  seeing  spirits, 
which  they  evince  by  whining  and  creeping  close 
to  their  masters.  Whether  pigs — who  are  known 
to  have  a  peculiar  organ  of  vision  for  seeing  the 
wind — are  equally  gifted,  has  not  been  ascertain- 
ed. Their  coming  is  usually  announced  by  a 
variety  of  loud  and  dreadful  noises,  sometimes 
rattling  in  the  hall  like  the  trundling  of  bowls  or 
cannon  balls,  or  the  shooting  of  a  chaldron  of 
Newcastle  coals.  At  length,  the  door  Hies  open, 
and  the  spectre  stalks  slowly  up  to  the  bed's  foot, 
and  opening  the  curtain,  looks  steadfastly  at  the 
person  in  bed,  by  whom  it  is  seen  and  no  other;  a 
ghost  never  appearing  to  more  than  one  person 
at  once.  Agreeably  to  ghostly  etiquette — a  spirit 


HROVKKBS    OF    AI,L    NATIONS. 

must  never  speak  first — so  that  the  party  must 
begin  by  demanding,  in  the  name  of  the  Three 
Persons  of  the  Holy  Trinity,  who  it  is,  and  what 
is  its  business,  which  it  may  be  necessary  to  re- 
peat three  times ;  after  which  it  will,  in  a  low 
and  hollow  voice,  declare  its  satisfaction  at  being 
spoken  to,  and  desiring  the  party  not  to  be  afraid. 
It  then  enters  into  its  narrative,  which  being  com- 
pleted, it  usually  vanishes  in  a  flash  of  light;  in 
which  case  some  ghosts  have  been  so  courteous 
as  to  desire  the  party  to  shut  their  eyes ;  some- 
times its  departure  is  attended  with  heavenly 
music.  During  the  narration,  a  ghost  must  not 
be  interrupted; 

"List!   list!   list!   0,  list! 

is  the  injuction  of  Hamlet's  father.  Questions 
respecting  their  present  state,  or  any  of  their  for- 
mer acquaintance,  are  seldom  answered  ;  spirits 
being  most  probably  restrained  by  certain  rules 
and  regulations,  from  divulging  the  secrets  of  their 
prison-house. 

Sometimes  ghosts  appear  and  disturb  a  house, 
without  deigning  to  give  any  reason  for  so  doing : 
with  these,  the  shortest  and  only  way  is  to  exer- 
cise them ;  or,  as  the  vulgar  term  is,  lay  them.  For 
this  purpose  there  must  be  two  or  three  clergy- 
men, and  the  ceremony  must  be  performed  in 
Latin ;  a  language  that  strikes  the  most  audacious 


204  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

ghost  with  terror.  A  ghost  may  be  laid  for  any 
time  less  than  a  hundred  years,  and  in  any  place  or 
body,  full  or  empty — a  solid  oak — the  pummel  of 
a  saddle — a  bodkin — a  barrel  of  beer,  if  yeoman 
or  simple  gentleman — or  a  pipe  of  wine,  if  an 
esquire,  justice,  or  member  of  parliament.  But 
of  all  places,  the  most  common,  and  what  a  ghost 
least  likes,  is  the  Red  Sea ;  it  has  been  related, 
in  many  instances,'  that  ghosts  have  most  earn- 
estly besought  the  exercists  not  to  confine  them 
in  that  abominable  place. 

In  cases  of  murder,  a  ghost,  instead  of  going  to 
Sir  Richard  Birnie  or  some  other  justice,  or  to  the 
nearest  relation  of  the  person  murdered,  appears 
to  some  poor  laborer,  who  knows  none  of  the 
parties,  draws  the  curtains  of  some  old  nurse,  or 
alms-woman,  or  merely  hovers  round  the  place 
where  the  body  is  deposited.  Another  feature  in 
their  conduct  is  their  .fondness  for  low  company  and 
melancholy  places ;  they  rarely  visit  persons  of 
fashion  and  education,  or  scenes  of  life  and  gaiety 
— their  favorite  associates  are  children,  old  women 
and  rustics — and  old  manor  houses,  ruined  castles, 
church  yards,  and  obscure  villages,  their  placet 
of  resort.  It  would  be  presumptuous  to  scruti- 
nize the  motives  of  such  high  personages :  they 
have  doubtless,  forms  and  customs  peculiar  to 
themselves. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  205 

WITCHES. 

A  witch  is  universally  a  poor,  infirm,  superan- 
nuated old  woman;  who,  being  in'great  distress, 
is  tempted  by  a  man  clothed  in  a  black  coat  or 
gown  ;  sometimes,  also,  as  in  Scotland,  wearing 
a  bluish  band  and  hand-cuffs — a  kind  of  turn-up 
linen  sleeve :  the  sable  gentleman  promises,  if 
she  will  sign  a  contract  to  become  his,  both  soul 
and  body,  she  shall  want  for  nothing,  and  that  he 
will  revenge  her  upon  all  her  enemies.  The 
agreement  being  concluded,  he  gives  her  some 
trilling  sum  of  money,  from  hall  a  crown  down 
to  fourpence,  to  bind  the  bargain  ;  then  cutting  or 
pricking  her  finger,  causes  her  to  sign  her  name, 
or  make  a  cross  as  her  mark,  with  her  blood,  on  a 
piece  of  parchment;  what  is  the  form  of  these 
contracts  is  no  where  mentioned.  In  addition 
this  signature,  in  Scotland  the  Devil  made  the 
witches  put  one  hand  to  the  soul  of  their  foot,  and 
the  other  to  the  crown  of  their  head,  signifying 
they  were  entirely  his.  In  making  these  bar- 
gains there  is  sometimes  a  great  deal  of  haggling 
as  is  instanced  in  the  negotiation  between  Oliver 
Cromwell  and  the  Devil,  before  the  battle  01 
Worcester,  related  in  Echard's  History  of  Eng- 
land. Before  the  devil  quits  his  new  recruit,  he 
delivers  to  her  an  imp  or  familiar,  and  sometimes 
two  or  three  ;  they  are  of  different  shapes  and 


206  KOVEKBSOFALLNAT102VS. 

forms,  some  resembling  a  cat,  others  a  mole,  a 
miller  fly,  or  some  other  insect  or  animal:  these 
are  to  come  at  her  call,  to  do  such  mischief  as  she 
shail  command,  and,  at  stated  times  of  the  day, 
suck  her  blood,  through  teats,  on  different  parts 
of  her  body.  Feeding,  suckling,  or  rewarding 
these  imps  was,  by  law,  declared  felony. 

Sometimes  a  Witch,  in  company  with  others  of 
the  sister-hood,  is  carried  through  the  air  on 
brooms  or  spits,  to  distant  meetings  or  Sabbaths 
of  Witches  ;  but  for  this  they  must  annoint  them- 
selves with  a  certain  magical  ointment  given 
them  by  the  Devil.  At  these  meetings  they  have- 
feasting,  music  and  dancing;  the  Devil  himself 
sometimes  condescending  to  play  on  the  great  fid- 
dle, or  on  the  pipe  or  cittern.  When  the  meeting 
breaks  up,  they  all  have  the  honour  of  kissing  Sa- 
tan's posteriors,  who,  for  that  ceremony,  usually 
assumes  the  form  of  a  he-goat,  though  in  Scot- 
land it  was  performed  when  he  appeared  in  the 
human  shape,  with  a  bluish  band  and  ruff. 

Witches  show  their  spite  by  causing  the  object 
of  it  to  waste  away  in  a  long  and  painful  dis- 
ease, with  a  sensation  of  thorns  stuck  in  the  flesh: 
when  a  less  fatal  revenge  will  satisfy  them,  they 
make  their  victims  swallow  pins,  old  nails,  dirt, 
and  trash  of  all  sorts,  invisibly  conveyed  to  them 
by  their  imps.  Frequently  they  show  their  hate 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

by  drying  cows  and  killing  oxen:  for  slight  offen- 
ces they  prevent  butter  from  coming  m  the  churn, 
or  beer  from  working.  To  vex  the  squire,  the 
parson,  or  justice,  the)r  transform  themselves  in- 
to the  shape  of  a  hare,  and  lead  the  hounds  and 
huntsmen  a  long  and  fruitless  chase 

There  are  various  tests  for  discovering  a  Witch. 
One,  by  weighing  her  against  the  church  Bible, 
which,  if  she  is  guilty,  will  preponderate:  another, 
by  making  her  say  the  Lord's  Prayer,  which  no 
Witch  is  able  to  do  correctly.  A  Witch  cannot 
weep  more  than  three  tears,  and  that  only  out  of 
the  left  eye:  this  want  of  tears  was  considered, 
even  by  some  learned  judges;  as  a  decisive  proof 
of  guilt.  Swimming  them  is  the  most  infallible 
ordeal:  strip  them  naked  and  cross  bound,  the 
right  thumb  to  the  left  toe,  and  the  left  thumb  to 
the  right  toe:  thus  prepared  throw  them  into  a 
pond  or  liver,  in  which,  if  guilty,  they  cannot 
sink:  fjr  having,  by  their  compact  with  the  devil, 
renounced  the  benefit  of  the  water  of  baptism, 
that  element  renounces  them,  and  refuses  to  re- 
ceive them  into  its  bosom. 

On  meeting  a  Witch  it  is  advisable  to  take, 
the  wall  of  her  in  u  town  or  street,  and  the  right 
hand  of  her  in  a  lane  or  field  ;  and  whilst  passing 
her  to  clench  both  hands,  doubling  the  thumb  be- 
neath the  fingers;  this  will  present  her  oower 


508  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

at  that  time.  It  is  well  to  salute  a  witch  with 
civil  words,  on  meeting  her,  oefore  she  speaks:  do 
not  receive  anything  from  her,  but  you  may  pre- 
sent her  with  a  few  halfpence  without  injury. 

Some  persons,  born  under  the  particular  plan- 
ets, have  the  power  to  distinguish  Witches,  at 
fir^t  sight.  One  of  these  gifted  individuals  named 
Matthew  Hopkins,  with  John  Stern  and  a  wo- 
man, were,  in  1C44  permitted  to  explore  the  coun- 
ties of  Essex,  Suffolk,  and  Huntington,  with  a 
commission  to  discover  Witches,  receiving  twen- 
ty shilings  from  each  town  they  visited.  Many 
persons  were  pitched  upon  by  them,  and  through 
their  means  convicted.  Till  at  length  some  gen- 
tlemen out  of  indignation  at  Hopkin's  barbarity, 
tied  him  in  the  manner  he  had  bound  others, 
thumbs  and  toes  together ;  in  which  state  putting 
him  in  the  water,  he  swam  !  this  cleared  the  coun- 
try. 

A  perusal  of  the  famous  statute  of  James  1., 
will  shew  that  a  belief  of  most  of  the  facts  above 
recited,  was  not  confined  to  the  populace.  By 
this  act,  any  person  convicted  of  witchcraft,  or 
any  of  the  practices  I  have  mentioned,  was  sen- 
tenced to  a  year's  imprisonment  and  pillory,  for 
the  second  offence,  Death.  This  memorable  spec- 
imen of  the  philosophy  of  the  age,  w;is  not  re- 
pealed till  the  ninth  year  of  the  reign  of  George  I. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  201 


A   SORCERER   OR  MAGICIAN. 

A  Sorcerer  differs  from  a  Witch  in  this:  a 
Witch  derives  all  her  power  from  a  compact  with 
the  Devil ;  a  Sorcerer  commands  him  and  the  in- 
fernal spirits  by  his  skill  in  powerful  charms  and 
invocations;  and  also  soothes  and  entices  them 
with  fumigations,  the  devils  are  observed  to  have 
delicate  nostrils,  abominating  and  flying  some 
kind  of  stinks  ;  witness  the  flight  of  the  evil  spirit 
into  the  remote  parts  of  Egypt,  driven  by  the 
smell  of  a  fish's  liver,  burn  by  Tobit.  They  are 
also  found  to  be  peculiarly  fond  of  certain  per- 
fumes ;  insomuch  that  Lily  informs  us,  that  one 
Evans  having  roused  a  spirit,  at  the  request  of 
Lord  Bothwell  and  Sir  Kenelm  Digby,  and  for- 
getting a  suffumigation,  the  spirit  vexed  at  the 
neglect,  snatched  him  from  his  circle,  and  carried 
him  from  out  his  house  in  the  Minories,  into  a 
field  near  Battersea ! 

Sorcerers  do  not  always  employ  their  arts  to  do 
mischief;  but,  on  the  contrary,  frequently  exert 
it  to  cure  diseases  inflicted  by  Witches ;  to  discov- 
er thieves  ;  restore  stolen  goods  ;  to  foretell  future 
events,  and  the  state  of  absent  friends.  They 
raise  spirits,  and  perform  other  secrets  of  their 
calling  by  means  of  the  circle  :  a  beryl,  a  virgin, 
or  a  man  undefiled  with  woman  : — See  the  uDa> 

monologia"  of  James  I. 

14 


210  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

FAIRIES, 

Are  a  sort  of  intermediate  beings  between  men 
and  spirits,  having  bodies,  with  the  power  of  ren- 
dering them  invisible,  and  of  passing  through  all 
sorts  of  enclosures.  They  are  remarkably  small 
of  stature,  with  fair  complexions,  whence  they 
obtained  their  name.  Both  male  and  female  are 
generally  clothed  in  grern ;  and  frequent  groves, 
and  mountains,  the  sunny  side  of  hills,  and  green 
meadows,  where  they  amuse  themselves  by  dan- 
cing, hand  in  hand,  in  a  circle,  and  by  moonlight. 
The  traces  of  their  feet  are  visible  next  morning 
on  the  grass,  and  are  commonly  called  Fairy 
Rings  or  Circles. 

Fairies  have  all  the  passions  and  wants  of  men, 
but  are  great  lovers  of  cleanliness  and  propriety; 
for  the  observance  of  which  they  frequently  re- 
ward servants  by  dropping  money  in  their  shoes  : 
they  likewise  severely  punish  sluts  and  slovens 
by  pinching  them  black  and  blue.  They  often 
change  their  weakly  and  starvling  elves  or  chil- 
dren, for  the  more  robust  offspring  of  men.  But 
this  can  only  be  done  before  baptism,  lor  which 
reason,  it  is  still  the  custom  in  the  Highlands  to 
watch  by  the  cradle  of  infants  till  they  are  chris- 
tened. The  term  C/iangling,  now  applied  to  one 
almost  an  idiot,  attests  the  current,  belief  of  these 
mutations. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

Some  Fairies  dwell  in  mines,  and  in  Wales 
nothing  is  more  common  than  these  sul  terrane- 
ous spirits,  called  knockers,  who  good-uaturedly 
point  out  where  there  is  a  rich  vein  of  lead  or  sil- 
ver. 

In   Scotland   there   were  a  .sort    of  domestic 
Fairies,  from  their   sun-burnt  complexions  called 
Brownies,  these  were  extremeiy  useful,  perform- 
ing all  sorts  of  domestic  drudgery. 
SECOND  SIGHT. 

So  called,  from  being  a  supplemental  faculty 
added  to  that  of  common  vision,  whereby  certain 
appearances,  predictive  of  future  events,  present 
themselves  suddenly  before  persons  so  gifted, 
without  any  desire  on  their  part  to  see  them. — 
Some  make  this  faculty  hereditary  in  certain  per- 
sons. It  is  a  superstition  confined  to  the  High- 
lands of  Scotland,  the  Western  Isles,  the  Isle  of 
Man,  and  some  parts  of  Ireland. 

OMENS,  CHARMS,  AND  DIVINATION. 

A  screech-owl,  flapping  its  wings  against  the 
windows  of  a  sick  person's  chamber,  or  screech- 
ing at  him,  protends  death. 

A  coal,  in  the  shape  of  a  coffin,  flying  out  of 
the  fire  to  any  particular  person,  denotes  his 
death  is  not  far  off.  A  collection  of  tallow  rising 
up  against  the  wick  of  a  candle,  is  styled  a  Win- 
ding sheet  and  deemed  an  omen  of  mortality. 


812  PROVERBS    OP    ALL    NATIONS. 

Any  person  fasting  on  Midsummer-Eve,  and 
sitting  in  the  church  porch,  will  at  midnight,  see 
the  spirits  of  the  persons  of  the  parish  who  will 
die  that  year,  come  and  knock  at  the  church  door 
in  the  order  and  succession  in  which  they  will 
die. 

Any  unmarried  woman  fasting  on  Midsummer 
Eve,  and  at  Midnight  laying  a  clean  cloth,  with 
bread,  cheese,  and  ale,  and  sitting  down,  as  if 
going  to  eat — the  street  door  being  left  open — the 
person  whom  she  is  afterwards  to  marry,  will 
come  into  the  room  and  drink  to  her  by  bowing, 
afterwards  fill  the  glass,  make  another  bow  and 
retire. 

The  same  important  fact  may  be  ascertained 
another  way.  At  the  first  appearance  of  the  New 
Moon,  next  after  New  Year's  Day — though  some 
say  any  other  New  Moon  is  as  good — go  out  in 
the  evening,  and  stand  over  the  spars  of  a  gate  or 
stile,  and  looking  on  the  moon  repeat  the  follow- 
ing lines : 

"All  hail  to  the  MOOD  !  all  hail  to  thee  ! 
I  pr'ythee,  good  Moon,  reveal  to  me 
This  night  who  my  husband  must  be." 

Then  go  directly  to  bed,  and  you  will  dream  of 
your  future  husband. 

A  slice  of  the  bride  cake,  thrice  drawn  through 
the  wedding  ring,  and  laid  under  the  head  of  an 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  213 

unmarried  man  or  woman,  will  make  them  dream 
of  their  future  wife  or  husband. 

To  discover  a  thief,  take  a  sieve  and  shears ; 
stick  the  points  of  the  shears  in  the  wood  of  the 
sieve,  and  let  two  persons  support  it,  balanced, 
upright  with  their  two  fingers,  then  read  a  chap- 
ter in  the  Bible,  and  afterwards  ask  St.  Peter  and 
St.  Paul  if  a  certain  person,  naming  all  you  sus- 
pect, is  the  thief.  On  naming  the  real  thief,  the 
sieve  will  turn  suddenly  round.  N.  B.  This  re- 
ceipt may  be  very  useful  in  Bow  street,  or  the 
Old  Bailey. 

A  ring  made  of  the  hinge  of  a  coffin  is  good 
for  the  cramp.  A  halter,  with  which  a  man  has 
been  hanged,  if  tied  about  the  head,  will  cure  the 
head- ache. 

Touching  a  dead  body  prevents  dreaming  of  it. 

A  stone,  with  a  hole  in  it,  hung  at  the  bed's 
head,  or  two  stones  inside  the  bed,  will  prevent 
the  night  mare,  the  former  also  prevents  Witches 
riding  horses,  for  which  purpese  it  is  often  tied  to 
the  stable  key. 

If  a  tree  of  any  kind  is  split — and  weak,  rick- 
etty,  or  ruptured  children  drawn  through  it;  and 
afterwards  the  tree  is  bound  together,  so  will  the 
child  acquire  strength.  This  is  a  very  ancient 
and  wide-spread  piece  of  superstition.  Creeping 
through  tolmcn,  or  perforated  stones,  was  a  Druid- 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

ical  ceremony,  and  at  this  day  is  practiced  in  the 
East  Indies.  Mr.  Borlace  mentions  a  stone,  in 
the  parish  of  Modern,  having  a  hole  in  it,  four- 
teen inches  diameter,  through  which  many  per- 
sons have  crept  for  pains  in  their  backs  and 
limbs  ;  and  many  children  have  been  drawn  for 
the  rickets.  In  some  parts  of  the  North,  children 
are  drawn  through  a  hole  cut  in  the  groaning 
cheese  on  the  day  they  were  christened. 

The  wounds  of  a  murdered  person  will  bleed 
afresh,  by  sympathy,  on  the  body  being  touched 
ever  so  lightly,  in  any  part  by  the  murderer. 

When  a  person's  cheek  or  ear  burns,  it  is  a 
sign  that  some  one  is  then  talking  of  him  or  her. 
If  it  is  on  the  right  side,  the  discourse  is  to  their 
advantage  ;  if  on  the  left,  to  the  contrary.  When 
the  right  eye  itches,  the  party  affected  will  short- 
ly cry ;  if  the  left,  they  will  laugh. 

Abracadabra  is  a  magical  word ;  and  written 
in  a  peculiar  form,  will  cure  an  ague. 

It  is  customary  for  women  to  offer  to  sit  cross- 
legged,  to  procure  luck  at  cards  for  their  friends. 
Sitting  cross-legged,  with  the  fingers  interlaced, 
was  anciently  deemed  a  magical  posture. 

It  is  deemed  lucky  to  be  born  with  a  caul  or 
membrane  over  the  face.  In  France  it  is  prover- 
bial: ctre  ne  coijfce,  is  an  expression,  signifying 
that  a  person  is  extremely  fortunate.  It  is  es- 


PKOVKKBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

teemed  an  infallible  preservative  against  drown- 
ing, and  under  that  idea,  is  frequently  advertised 
for  sale  in  the  newspapers,  and  purchased  by  sea- 
men. If  bought  by  lawyers,  it  makes  them  as 
eloquent  as  Demosthenes  or  Cicero  and  procures 
a  great  deal  of  practice. 

It  is  reckoned  a  good  omen,  if  the  sun  shines 
on  a  couple  coming  out  of  the  church  after  hav- 
ing been  married.  It  is  also  esteemed  a  good 
sign  if  it  rains  whilst  a  corpse  is  burying. 

"Happy  is  the  bride  that  the  sun  shines  on, 
Happy  is  the  corpse  that  the  rain  rains  on." 

If  in  a  family  the  youngest  daughter  should  be 
married  before  her  elder  sisters,  they  must  all 
dance  at  her  wedding  without  shoes ;  this  will 
counteract  their  ill  luck  and  procure  them  hus- 
bands. 

If  in  eating  you  miss  your  mouth,  and  the  vic- 
tuals fall,  it  is  very  unlucky,  and  denotes  sickness. 

When  a  person  goes  out  to  transact  business, 
it  is  lucky  to  throw  an  old  shoe  after  him. 

It  is  a  common  practice  among  the  lower  class 
of  hucksters,  or  dealers  in  fruit  or  fish,  on  receiv- 
ing the  price  of  the  first  goods  sold  on  that  day, 
which  they  call  hansel,  to  spit  on  the  money  for 
good  luck ;  and  boxers  formerly  used  to  spit  in 
their  hands,  before  they  set-to,  for  luck's  sake. 

Spilling  of  salt,  crossing  a  knife   and  fork,  or 


KOVKKBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

presenting  a  knife,  scissors,  or  any  sharp  instru- 
ment, are  all  considered  unlucky,  and  to  be  avoid- 
ded. 

Washing  hands  in  the  same  bason,  or  with  the 
same  water,  as  another  person  has  washed  in,  is 
extremely  unlucky,  as  the  parties  will  infallibly 
quarrel. 

Whistling  at  sea  is  supposed  to  cause  an  in- 
crease of  wind,  if  not  a  storm,  and,  therefore, 
much  disliked  by  seamen ;  though  sometimes 
they  themselves  practice  it  when  there  is  a  dead 
calm. 

The  Hand  of  Glory,  is  a  foreign  piece  of  su- 
perstition, common  in  France,  Germany  and 
Spain  ;  and  is  a  charm  used  by  housebreakers  and 
assassins.  It  is  the  hand  of  a  hanged  man,  hol- 
ding a  candle,  made  of  the  fat  of  a  hanged  man, 
virgin  wax,  and  sisame  of  Lapland.  It  stupifies 
those  to  whom  it  is  presented,  and  renders  them 
motionless,  insomuch  that  they  could  not  stir,  any 
more  than  if  they  were  dead. 

A  flake  of  soot,  hanging  at  the  bars  of  the 
grate,  denotes  the  visit  of  a  stranger.  A  spark 
in  the  candle  denotes  that  the  person  opposite  to 
it  will  shortly  receive  a  letter. 

In  setting  a  hen  it  is  lucky  to  put  an  odd  num- 
ber of  eggs.  All  sorts  of  remedies  are  directed 
to  be  taken, — three,  seven,  or  nine  times.  Sa- 


t  nuVKKBS    OP    ALL    NATIONS.  817 

lutes  -will  consist  of  an  odd  number ;  a  royal  sa- 
lute is  thrice  seven,  or  twenty-one  guns.  Healths 
are  always  drank  odd.  Yet  the  number  thirteen 
is  deemed  ominious ;  it  being  held  that  when 
thirteen  persons  are  in  a  room,  one  of  them  will 
die  within  the  year 

Most  persons  break  the  shells  of  eggs,  after 
they  have  eaten  the  meat:  it  is  done  to  prevent 
their  being  used  as  boats  by  Witches. 

A  coal  flying  out  of  the  fire  in  the  shape  of  a 
purse,  predicts  a  sudden  acquisition  of  riches. 

Although  the  Devil  can  partly  transform  him- 
self into  any  shape,  he  cannot  change  his  cloven 
foot,  by  which  he  may  be  always  known  under 
every  appearance 

%*In  concluding  the  article  on  Popular  Super- 
stitions, one  cannot  help  adverting  to  the  many 
advantages  resulting  to  society  from  the  discover- 
ies of  science.  "If  ignorance  be  bliss,"  it  must 
be  confessed  it  is  a  bliss  not  unalloyed  with  in- 
conveniences, from  which  superior  intelligence  is 
exempted.  Two  great  misfortunes  of  formen 
times,  were  the  absence  of  religious  toleration,  and 
the  universal  ignorance  of  the  causes  of  natural 
phenomena :  from  the  former  flowed  bloody  wars, 
relentless  persecutions,  massacres,  burnings,  and 
torturings,  while  the  latter,  if  possible,  was  at- 
tended  with  still  greater  calamities — because 


218  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    KAT1ONS. 

more  minutely  diffused,  and  filled  the  minds  of  in- 
dividuals of  all  ranks  with  indescribable  tetrors 
and  apprehensions. 

If  knowledge  had  only  dispelled  the  single 
delusion  respecting  spectral  appearances,  it  would 
have  conferred  on  mankind  incalculable  advanta- 
ges. The  dread  of  these  mysterious  agents 
uaunted  men  at  home  and  abroad — by  night  and 
by  day  ;  and  the  fear  they  had  of  the  burglar  or 
assassin,  was  infinitely  less  than  that  of  some 
ghastly  spectre  at  the  lonely  hour  of  midnight. 

GLOSTER.     Oh,  Catesby,  I  have  had  such  horrid  dreams! 
CATESBT.     Shadows,  my  lord! — below  the   soldier's  heeding. 
GLOSTER.    Kow,  by  my  this  day's  hopes,  shadows,  to  night, 
Have  struck  more  terror  to  the  soul  of  Richard, 
Than  can  the  substance  of  ten  thousand  soldiers, 
Arm'd  all  in  proof.'  ACT.  v.  Sc.  5. 

Such  were  the  fears  of  one  whose  ''firm 
nerves"  were  not  easily  shaken.  Let  us  then  re- 
joice that  all  the  trumpery  superstition  of  ghosts, 
witches,  fairies,  and  omens,  have  gone  to  the 
"  tomb  of  the  Capulets;"  let  us  give  honour  too, 
to  the  illustrious  names — to  the  Bacons,  Lockes, 
and  Newtons,  who  have  contributed  to  so  blessed 
a  consummation.  Grown  people,  at  least,  are 
now  divested  of  fear  at  the  sight  of  an  old  wo- 
man; they  can  pass  through  a  lonely  church 
yard,  a  ruined  tower,  over  a  wild  heath;  01 


PROVEKBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  2  J  J> 

even  sleep  in  an  old  manor  house  though  the 
wind  whistle  ever  so  shrill  without  fear  of  su- 
pernatural visitations;  and  have  become  wi*e  e- 
nough  to  trace  private  and  public  calamities  to 
other  causes  than  .the  crossing  of  knives,  the 
click  of  an  insect,  or  even  the  portentous  advent 
of  a  comet! 


VULGAR    ERRORS. 

POPULAR  superstitions  may  be  ranked  among 
Vulgar  Errors,  and  might  have  been  included  un- 
der that  head  ;  but,  for  greater  distinction,  I  shall 
class  those  mistaken  notions  which  either  do  now, 
or  did  formerly,  circulate  among  the  common  peo- 
ple, under  a  seperate  article. 

The  wonderful  discoveries  of  science  in  the  last 
century  have  greatly  augmented  the  list  of  Vulgar 
Errors,  by  proving  many  facts,  which  even  the 
learned  of  a  former  age  believed  true,  entirely 
unfounded.  In  the  Works  of  SIR  THOMAS  BROWNE, 
published  in  1686,  there  is  an  inquiry  into  Common 
and  vulgar  errors,  in  which  the  writer  displays  great 
learning  and  ingenuity ;  yet,  so  partial  is  the  en- 
lightenment of  the  author,  that  he  entertains  the 
popular  notion  that  lights  burn  blue  in  the  pres- 
ence of  apparitions,  and  gravely  attempts  to  ex- 
plain the  fact  on  Dhilosoohical  principles  !  What 


220  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

a  host  of  learned  errors  have  been  put  to  flight 
almost  in  the  memory  of  the  present  age,  in  the 
two  sciences  of  chemistry  and  political  economy! 
It  was  formerly  believed  that  crystals  were  only 
ice  or  snow  strongly  congealed ;  that  the  flesh  of 
the  peacock  never  putrefied ;  that  water  was  an 
elementary  fluid,  and  rose  in  the  common  pump 
from  the  horror  Nature  had  of  a  vacuum.  The 
truths  of  political  economy  are  still  too  much  con- 
tested for  us  to  be  able  to  determine  the  facts  we 
ought  to  include  among  the  errors  of  that  science; 
but  I  think  we  may  reckon  as  such  all  that  relate 
to  the  bounties  and  prohibitions  of  the  commercial 
system,  the  influence  of  rent,  tithe,  and  wages  on 
the  prices  of  commodities ;  and  the  effect  of  tax- 
ation on  public  happiness.  In  politics,  too,  one 
might  enumerate  a  long  list  of  errors  which 
were  formerly  current,  but  which  are  now  strug- 
gling for  existence — such  as,  that  the  poor-rate 
originated  in  the  43rd  of  Elizabeth  ;  that  the  land- 
tax  and  funding  system  commenced  at  the  Revo- 
lution in  1688;  that  MR.  Pirr  was  the  author  of 
the  sinking  fund ;  that  the  miraculous  powers  of 
borrowed  money  and  compound  interest  would 
liquidate  the  national  debt;  and  that  the  French 
Revolution  was  caused  by  the  extravagant  wri- 
tings of  Rousseau,  Helvetius,  and  a  few  other 
theorists.  It  is  not  however,  intended  in  this 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  2 21 

place  to  give  an  account  of  the  "follies  of  the 
wise,"  but  of  the  ignorant,  so  as  to  complete  the 
picture  of  the  inteligence  and  manners  of  an 
antecedent  state  of  society. 

LEGAL  ERRORS. 

The  HON.  DAINES  BARKINGTON,  in  his  Observa- 
tions on  the  Statutes,  observes,  that  there  is  a 
general  vulgar  error  that  it  is  not  lawful  to  go 
about  with  a  dark  lantern  ;  all  popular  errors,  he 
adds,  have  some  foundation,  and  the  regulation  in 
the  reign  of  Edward,  that  no  one  should  appear  in 
the  streets  without  a  light,  was  probably  the  oc- 
casion of  this. 

It  is  an  error  that  a  surgeon  or  butcher  may  be 
challenged  as  jurors,  from  the  supposed  cruelty 
of  their  business. 

It  is  erroneously  supposed  to  be  penal  to  open  a 
coal-mine,  or  to  kill  a  crow  within  five  miles  of 
London.  This  last  probably  took  its  rise  from  a 
statute  of  Henry  VII.  prohibiting  the  use  of  a 
cross-bow. 

It  is  an  error  that  the  body  of  a  debtor  may  be 
taken  in  execution  after  his  death;  which,  how- 
ever, was  practiced  in  Prussia  before  Frederic  the 
Second  abolished  it  by  the  Code  Frcdcrique. 

It  is  an  error  that  the  king  signs  the  death  war- 
rant, as  it  is  called,  for  the  execution  of  a  criminal 
as  also,  that  there  is  a  statute  which  obliges  the 


2*2  PROVEKBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

owners  of  asses  to  crop  their  ears,  lest  the  length 
of  them  should  frighten  the  horses  they  meet  on 
the  road. 

It  is  a  mistaken  notion  that  a  woman's  marry- 
ing a  man  under  the  gallows  will  save  him  from 
execution.  This,  probably,  arose  from  the  wife 
having  brought  an  appeal  against  the  murderer 
of  her  husband  ;  who,  afterwards  repenting  the 
prosecution  of  her  lover,  not  only  forgave  the 
offence,  but  was  willing  to  marry  the  appellee. 

It  is  a  common  error  that  those  born  at  sea  be- 
long to  Stepney  parish.  It  is  an  error  too,  that 
when  a  man  desires  to  marry  a  woman  who  is  in 
debt,  if  he  take  her  from  the  hands  of  the  minister, 
clothed  only  in  her  chemise,  that  he  will  not  be 
liable  for  her  engagements. 

For  a  person  to  disinherit  his  son,  it  not  neces- 
sary he  should  leave  him  a  shilling  in  his  will. 

Lastly,  it  is  an  error  that  any  one  may  be  put 
into  the  Crown  Office  for  no  cause  whatever,  or 
the  most  trifling  injury, 

ERRORS  IN  NATURAL  HISTORY. 

The  stories  that  there  is  but  one  phoenix  in  the 
world,  which  after  many  hundred  years  burns  her- 
self, and  from  her  ashes  rises  another;  that  the 
pelican  pierces  her  breast  with  her  beak,  to  draw 
blood  for  her  young;  that  the  cameleon  only  lives 


PKOVKKBS  -OF    ALL   NATIONS. 

upon  air ;  of  the  bird  of  paradise,  and  of  the 
unicorn,  are  all  fabulous. 

It  is  an  error,  that  the  scorpion  stings  itself  when 
surrounded  by  fire,  and  that  music  has  power  over 
persons  bitten  by  it ;  that  the  mole  has  no  eyes, 
nor  the  elephant  knees ;  that  the  hedge-hog  is  a 
mischievous  animal,  particularly  that  he  sucks 
cows  when  they  are  asleep,  and  causes  their  teats 
to  be  sore. 

It  is  said  the  porcupine  shoots  out  its  quills  for 
annoying  its  enemy,  whereas  it  only  sheds  them 
annually,  as  other  feathered  animals  do.  The 
jackall  is  commonly  called  the  lion's  provider,  but 
it  has  no  connection  with  the  lion.  The  bite  of 
the  spider  is  not  venomous — it  is  found  too  in 
Ireland  plentifully — has  no  dislike  to  fixing  its 
web  on  Irish  oak,  and  has  no  particular  aversion 
lo  a  toad. 

The  a?s  was  vulgarly  thought  to  have  had  a 
cross  on  its  back  ever  since  Christ  rode  on  one  of 
those  animal?!.  It  was  also  believed  the  haddock 
had  the  mark  of  St.  Peter's  thumb,  ever  since  St. 
Peter  took  the  tribute  penny  out  of  a  fish  of  that 
species. 

It  was  anciently  believed,  says  Brand,  that  the 
Barnacle,  a  common  shell-fish,  which  is  found 
sticking  on  the  bottom  of  ships,  would,  when 
broken  off,  become  a  species  of  goose.  Nor  is  it 


824  PKOVERBS    OF    ALL,    NATIONS. 

less  an  error  that  bears  form  their  cubs  by  licking 
them  into  shape ;  or  that  storks  will  only  live  in 
republics  and  free  states. 

"  T/ie  Rose  of  Jericho,"  which  was  feigned  to 
flourish  every  year  about  Christmas  Eve,  is  famous 
in  the  annals  of  credulity:  but,  like  the  no  less 
celebrated  " 'Glastonbury  TAorw,"  is  only  a  monkish 
imposture. 

It  is  commonly  believed,  and  even  proverbial, 
that  puppies  see  in  nine  days,  but  the  fact  is,  they 
do  not  see  till  the  twelfth  or  fourteenth. 

PICTORIAL  ERRORS. 

The  common  practice  of  exhibiting  St.  George 
killing  a  dragon,  with  a  king's  daughter  standing 
by,  is  a  vulgar  error  for  which  there  is  no  author- 
ity :  it  is  even  doubtful  whether  such  a  personage 
ever  existed. 

That  the  forbidden  fruit,  mentioned  in  Genesis, 
was  an  apple,  is  generally  believed,  confirmed  by 
tradition,  perpetuated  by  writing,  verses,  and 
pictures,  but  without  authority. 

The  unbilical  cord  is  known  to  appertain  only 
to  the  foetus,  and  as  Adam  and  Eve  never  were 
in  that  state,  Sir  Thomas  Browne  notices  the  vul- 
gar error  of  exhibiting  them  in  pictures  with 
navels. 

The  same  writer  also  remarks,  the  common 


PROVEKBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  925 

practice  of  picturing  Moses    with  horns  on   his 
head,  for  which  there  is  no  authority. 

ERRORS  OX  MAX. 

It  was  formerly  believed,  (Browne's  Works,  folio, 
p.  66.)  that  Jews  stink  naturally ;  but  this  is  a 
prejudice  on  a  par  with  Mr.  Cobbett's  notion,  that 
Xegroes  do  not  smell  like  other  men.  It  is  al#o  an 
error,  with  respect  to  the  latter,  that  they  are  not 
a  part  of  the  human  race,  which  Forvargue  calls 
a  "Creolian  error;"  and  that  they  are  the  descend- 
ants of  Cain,  bearing  his  mark. 

It  is  commonly  believed,  that  men  float  on  the 
ninth  day,  after  submersion  in  the  water;  but  the 
time  is  uncertain,  and  depends  on  the  habit  of 
body :  fat  men  undergo  a  chemical  change,  much 
sooner  than  lean  men,  and  consequently  float 
sooner.  The  analogy  does  not  hold,  that  men 
naturally  swim  like  other  animals ;  the  motion  of 
animals  in  the  water  is  the  same  as  on  land ;  but 
men  do  not  swim  as  they  walk.  It  is  more  correct 
that  women,  \vhen  dro\vned,  lay  prostrate  in  the 
water,  and  men  supine;  it  arises  from  the  differ- 
ent conformation  of  the  two  sexes. 

That  a  man  has  one  rib  less  than  a  woman  is 
a  vulgar  error,  both  men  and  women  have  both 
twenty-four  ribs. 

It  was  an  opinion  formerly,  that  it  was  condu- 
cive to  a  man's  health  to  be  drunk  once  a  month. 
15 


226  PROVERBS    OF    .ILL    JiATlONS. 

The  age  of  G3  was  called  the  "  great  climateric," 
and  considered  peculiarly  dangerous,  because  it 
\vas  the  product  of  the  two  odd  numbers  '/  and  9. 

That  a  man  weighs  more  fasting  than  full ;  that 
he  was  anciently  larger  in  stature  ;  that  love  and 
lust  are  the  same  thing ;  that  be  is  better  or  worse 
for  being  of  a  particular  profession  ;  have  been 
classed  by  writers  among  vulgar  errors. 

HISTORICAL  ERRORS. 

Sir  Thomas  Browne  says,  it  is  an  error,  that 
Tamerlane  the  Tartar,  was  a  shepherd ;  he  was 
of  noble  birth.  The  popular  story,  that  Belisariua 
was  blind,  and  begged  publicly  in  the  streets,  is 
without  foundation ;  he  suffered  much  from  the 
envy  of  the  court,  but  contemporary  writers  do 
not  mention  his  mendicity  nor  blindness.  The 
stories  of  Scsevola,  of  Curtius,  of  the  Amazons', 
and  of  Archimedes  burning  the  ships  of  Marccllus, 
are,  doubtless,  historical  lies,  or  monstrous  exag- 
gerations. 

It  is  related  that  Crassus,  the  grandfather  of 
Marcus,  the  wealthy  Roman,  ne/er  Jaughed  but 
once,  and  that  was  at  an  ass  eating  thistles.  That 
Jesus  never  laughed,  because  it  is  only  mentioned 
he  wept;  though,  as  Browne  observes,  it  is  hard 
to  conceive  how  he  passed  his  childhood  without 
mirth. 

Manv  vuljrar  errors  prevail  respecting  Gypsies, 


PROVERBS    8F    ALL    NATIONS.  227 


and  counterfeit  Moors.  They  are  said  to  have 
come  originally  from  Egypt,  and  their  present 
state  to  be  a  judgment  of  God  upon  them,  for 
refusing  to  entertain  the  Virgin  Mary  and  Jesus, 
on  their  flight  into  Egypt.  They  existed  in  Egypt 
long  before  this  occurrence,  where  they  were  con- 
sidered  strangers.  They  were  called  Bohemians 
in  France,  where  they  first  appeared  from  Ger- 
many, and  spoke  the  Sclavonian  language.  They 
were  at  one  time  countenanced  by  the  Turks ; 
suffered  to  keep  stews  in  the  suburbs  of  Constan- 
tinople, and  employed  by  them  as  spies  among 
other  nations,  for  which  they  were  banished  by 
the  Emperor  Charles  the  fifth. 

MISCELLANEOUS  ERRORS, 

From  the  rising  of  the  Dog  star,  the  ancients 
computed  their  canicular  days ;  concerning  which 
there  is  an  opinion,  that  during  those  days  all 
physic  should  be  declined,  and  the  cure  committed 
to  nature:  this  season  is  called  the  Physician's 
vacation. 

It  was  formerly  believed  that  the  tenth  wave 
was  more  dangerous,  and  the  tenth  egg  larger, 
than  any  other. 

The  ring  was  formerly  worn  on  the  fourth  finger 
of  the  left  hand,  from  a  supposition  that  a  partic- 
ular nerve  in  that  part  communicated  with  the 
heart. 


S98  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

Fovargue  includes  in  his  "Catalogue  of  Vulgar 
Errors,"  the  notion  of  Londoners,  that  they  have 
wit  enough  to  impose  on  countrymen.  "This 
error,"  says  he,  "  chiefly  proceeds  from  the  out- 
ward appearance  of  countrymen,  when  they  ar- 
rive at  the  metropolis.  They  are  struck  with  the 
grandeur  of  this  place,  and  on  that  account  keep 
their  heads  up  in  the  air,  as  if  they  were  conlrm- 
plating  some  phenomenon  in  the  heavens.  TLi-n: 
their  clothes  being  calculated  for  strength  an-l 
wear,  or  spun  thick,  which  gives  tln-.m  u  stul 
awkward  gait,  and  this  is  not  a  little  mii,rm<  ntcd 
by  the  robust  labor  they  undergo.  Tlu.-  awkward- 
ness, joined  to  an  absence  which  the  conirinpla- 
tion  of  any  thing  fine  is  sure  to  beget,  makes  high 
diversion  for  the  Londoners,  who  are  apt  to  put 
tricks  upon  them,  and  tax  them  with  want  of 
apprehension." 

The  same  author  also  reckons  among  Vulgar 
Errors,  that  the  Italian  Opera  consists  of  effemi- 
nate music,  that  nothing  is  poetry  but  what  is 
in  rhyme  ;  that  kicking  up  the  heels  behind,  and 
twisting  round  on  one  leg,  is  fine  skating;  that 
the  more  amunition  is  put  into  a  towling-piece, 
the  more  execution  it  will  do;  and  that  using 
hard  words  and  long  sentences  is  a  proof  of 
scholarship. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  239 

SELECT  SAYINGS  AND  MAXIMS  OF  Till.  ANCIENTS 
AND  FATHERS  OF  THE  CHURCH. 

ANGER. 

MILDNESS  governs  more  than  anger. — Publius 
Syrus, 

No  man  is  free  who  does  not  command  him- 
self.— Pythagoras. 

He  who  cannot  command  himself,  it  is  folly  to 
think  to  command  others. — Labcrius. 

He  injures  the  absent  who  contends  with  an 
angry  man. — Publius  Sy?*us. 

An  angry  man  is  again  angry  with  himself, 
when  he  returns  to  reason. — Publius  Syrus. 

Women  are  sooner  angry  than  men,  the  sick 
than  the  healthy,  and  old  men  than  young  men. 
— Hermes. 

He  best  keeps  from  anger,  who  remembers  that 
God  is  always  looking  upon  him. — Plato. 

An  angry  man  opens  his  mouth  and  shuts  his 
eyes. —  Cato. 

The  anger  of  a  good  man  is  the  hardest  to 
bear. — Publius  Syrus. 

ANCESTORS. 

What  can  the  virtues  of  our  ancestors  profit 
us,  if  we  do  not  imitate  them ! 

Great  merits  ask  great  rewards,  and  great  an- 
cestors virtuous  issues. 


830  PROVERBS    OF   ALL    NATIONS. 

To  be  of  noble  parentage,  and  not  to  be  en- 
dowed with  noble  qualities,  is  rather  a  defamation 
than  a  glory. 

MANNERS. 

Be  not  too  orief  in  conversation,  lest  you  be  not 
understood ;  nor  too  diffuse,  lest  you  be  trouble- 
some . — Protagoras. 

We  must  not  contradict,  but  instruct  him  that 
contradicts  us ;  for  a  madman  is  not  cured  by 
another  running  mad  also. — Antislhencs. 

To  a  man  full  of  questions  make  no  answer  at 
all.— Plato. 

Such  as  give  ear  to  slanderers  are  wor^e  than 
slanderers  themselves. — Dumilin.n . 

He  conquers  twice,  who  con-jurrs  liiw^rlf  in 
victory. — Publius  Syrus. 

A  word  fitly  spoken  is  like  ;ipplc?  of  yol.l  in 
pictures  of  silver. — Solomon. 

He  is  well  constituted  who  grirves  nut  for  what 
he  has  not,  and  rejoices  for  what  he  \va=. — De- 
mocritus. 

Impose  not  a  burden  on  others,  which  thou  canst 
not  bear  thyself. — Labcrius. 

A  cheerful  manner  commonly  denotes  a  gentle 
nature ;  whereas,  a  sour  countenance  is  a  mani- 
fest sign  of  a  fro  ward  disposition. — Anon. 

Consider  pleasures  as  they  depart,  not  as  they 
come . — Aristotle. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  231 

Such  as  are  careless  of  themselves  can  hardly 
be  mindful  of  others. —  TJiales. 

Sobriety  without  sullenness  is  commendable 
and  mirth  \vith  modesty  delectable. 

Nothing  is  more  hard  to  honest  people,  than  to 
be  denied  the  liberty  of  speaking  their  minds. 

What  one  knows,  it  is  useful  sometimes  to  for- 
get.— Publius  Syrus. 

There  are  more  mockers  than  well-meaners 
and  more  foolish  quips  than  good  precepts. 

In  conversation,  avoid  the  extremes  of  petulance 
and  reserve. — Cato. 

Where  the  demand  is  a  jest,  the  fittest  answer 
is  a  scoff. — Archimedes. 

Aristotle  says,  when  you  can  have  any  good 
thing,  take  it:  and  Plato  says,  if  you  do  not  take 
it  you  are  a  great  coxcomb. 

A  merry  heart  doeth  good  like  a  medicine  ;  but 
a  broken  spirit  dricth  the  bones. — Solomon. 

They  that  slander  the  dead  are  like  envious 
dogs,  that  bark  and  bite  at  bones. — Zeno. 

Nature  has  given  us  two  ears,  two  eyes,  and 
but  one  tongue  :  to  the  end,  we  should  hear  and 
see  more  than  we  speak. — Socrates. 

Keep  thy  tongue,  and  keep  thy  friend ;  for  few 
words  cover  much  wisdom,  and  a  fool  being  silent 
is  thought  wise. 

Proud  looks  lose  hearts,  but  courteous  words 
win  them. — Fcrdin. 


232  PKOVEKBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 


He  that  knows  how  to  speak,  knows  also  when 
to  be  silent. — Archimedes. 

To  expose  one's  self  to  great  danger  for  trivial 
advantages,  is  to  fish  with  a  golden  hook,  where 
more  may  be  lost  than  gained. — Augustus  Caesar. 

We  ought  either  to  be  silent,  or  to  speak  things 
that  are  better  than  silence. — Pithagoras. 

Deride  not  the  unfortunate. —  Chilo. 

EATING  AND  DRINKING. 

Wine  has  drowned  more  than  the  sea. — Publius 
Syrus, 

The  belly  is  an  unthankful  beast,  never  requi- 
ting the  pleasure  done,  but  continually  craving 
more  than  it  needs. —  Crates 

The  wicked  man  lives  to  eat  and  drink,  but  the 
good  eats  and  drinks  to  live. — Plutarch 

The  belly  is  the  commanding  part  of  the  body- 
— Homer. 

The  first  draught  a  man  drinks  ought  to  be  for 
thirst,  the  second  for  nourishment,  the  third  for 
pleasure,  and  the  fourth  for  madness. — Anacharsis. 

Excess  came  from  Asia  to  Rome;  Ambition 
came  from  Rome  to  all  the  world. 

Drunkenness  is  a  bewitching  devil,  a  pleasant 
poison,  and  a  sweet  sin. — Augustine. 

Better  is  a  dinner  of  herbs  where  love  is,  than 
a  stalled  ox  and  hatred  therewith. — Solomon. 


PROVERBS    OP    ALL    NATIONS.  233 

ELOQUENCE. 

Brevity  is  a  great  praise  of  eloquence. —  Cicero. 

Orators  are  the  most  vehement  when  they  have 
the  weakest  cause,  as  men  get  on  horseback  when 
they  cannot  walk. —  Cicero. 

It  is  easy  to  defend  the  innocent;  but  who  is 
eloquent  enough  to  defend  the  guilty  ? — Publius 
Syrus. 

An  orator  without  judgment  is  a  horse  without 
a  bridle. —  Thcophrastus. 

As  the  grace  of  man  is  in  the  mind,  so  the 
beauty  of  the  rnind  is  eloquence. — Cicero. 

As  a  vessel  is  known  by  the  sound,  whether  it 
be  cracked  or  not ;  so  men  are  proved,  by  their 
speeches,  whether  they  be  wise  or  foolish — De- 
mosthenes. 

Eloquence  is  of  two  kinds ;  that  of  the  heart, 
which  is  called  divine;  the  other  external,  and 
merely  the  organ  of  conceit?,  thoughts,  and  soph- 
istry.— Cicero. 

Unprofitable  eloquence  is  like  the  cypress,  which 
is  great  and  tall,  but  bears  no  fruit. — Anon. 

Poets  are  born,  but  orators  are  made. — Anon. 
FRIENDSHIP. 

Fridndship  is  stronger  than  kindred. — Publius 
Syrus. 

Reprove  thy  friend  privately ;  commend  him 
publicly. — Solon. 


234  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 


It  is  better  to  decide  a  difference  between  ene- 
mies than  friends;  for  one  of  our  friends  will 
certainly  become  an  enemy,  and  one  of  our 
enemies  a  friend. — Bias. 

Go  slowly  to  the  entertainment  of  thy  friends, 
but  quickly  to  their  misfortunes. —  Chtto. 

It  is  no  small  grief  to  a  good  nature  to  try  his 
friends. —  Ruripides. 

FOLLY 

It  is  much  better  for  a  man  to  conceal  his  folly 
and  ignorance  than  to  discover  the  same. 

There  cai^  be  no  ---«;ater  folly  in  man,  than  by 
much  labo-  to  increase  his  goods,  and  with  vain 
pleasure  to  lose  his  soul. — Gregory. 

There  is  more  hope  of  a  fool,  than  him  that  is 
wise  in  his  own  conceit. — Solomon. 

It  is  a  great  folly  in  man  to  muse  much  on  such 
things  as  pass  his  understanding. 

The  heart  of  a  fool  is  in  his  mouth,  but  the 
mouth  of  a  wise  man  is  in  his  heart. — Sirach. 
INDUSTRY. 

Learn  some  useful  art,  that  you  may  be  inde- 
pendent of  the  caprice  of  fortune. — Cato. 

Idleness  is  a  sepulchre  of  a  living  man. — 
Anselm. 

It  is  not  for  a  man  in  authority  to  sleep  a  whole 
night. — Homer. 


t-H<J  V  H  hbS>    O  *     ALb    IHATiOJNS. 

Flee  sloth  ;  for  the  indolence  of  the  soul  is  the 
decay  of  the  body. —  Cato. 

When  a  man  goes  out,  let  him  consider  what 
he  is  to  do ;  when  he  returns,  what  he  has  done. 
Clcobulous. 

The  three  things  most  difficult  are, — to  keep  a 
secret,  to  forget  an  injury,  and  to  make  gocd  use 
of  leisure. —  Chilo. 

Prosperity  engenders  sloth. — Livy. 
JUSTICE. 

Valor  would  cease  to  be  a  virtue,  if  there  were 
no  injustice. — Agesilaus. 

Delay  in  punishment  is  no  privilege  of  pardon . 

Not  the  pain,  but  the  cause,  makes  the  martyr. 
Ambrose. 

It  becomes  not  a  law-maker  to  be  a  law-break- 
er.— Bias. 

Four  things  belong  to  a  judyi1 :  to  hoar  cour- 
teously, to  answer  wisely,  to  consider  soberly,  and 
and  to  give  judgment  without  partiality. — Soc- 
rates. 

No  man  may  be  both  accuser  ami  judge, — 
Plutarch. 

The  accused  i*  not  guilty  till  he  is  convicted. — 
Lactantius 

KINT.S  AM)  LAWS. 

General  calamities  imply,  in  kings,  general  imbe- 
cility. 


236  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

Kings  ought  to  be  environed  with  good  will 
instead  of  guards. — Bias. 

It  is  the  fault  of  princes  if  they  are  not  esteem 
ed  ;  as  they  always  have  it  in  their  power  to  pro- 
cure the  love  of  their  subjects. — Philip  of  Mace- 
don. 

The  king's  wrath  is  as  the  roaring  of  a  lion 
but  his  favor  is  as  the  dew  on  the  grass  — Solo- 
mon. 

The  prince  that  is  feared  of  many,  must,  of  ne- 
cessity, fear  many. 

A  king  ruleth  as  ho  ought,  a  tyrant  as  he  lists ; 
a  king  to  the  profit  of  ail,  a  tyrant  only  to  please 
a  few. — Aristotle. 

Kings  ought  to  shun  the  company  of  the  vi- 
cious, for  the  evil  they  cummit  in  his  company  is 
accounted  his. — Plato. 

It  little  profits  a  prince  to  bo  ruler  of  many 
kingdoms,  and  the  slave  of  many  vices. 

A  king  ought  to  take  heed  to  his  counsellors, 
in  noting  who  soothe  his  lusts,  and  who  intend 
the  public  profit. — Plutarch. 

Where  the  love  of  the  people  is  assured,  the 
designs  of  the  seditious  are  thwarted. — Bias. 

A  good  prince  is  not  the  object  of  fear. — Di- 
ogenes. 

A  prince,  ought  to  be  aware  not  only  of  his  en- 
emies, but  his  ilattering  friends. — Dionysius. 


FhOVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  237 

The  public  has    more  interest  in  the  punish 
ment  of  an  injury,  than  he  who  receives  it. —  Ca- 
to  Ike  Elder. 

As  ignorant  governors  bring  their  country  into 
many  inconveniences,  so  such  as  are  devilishly 
politic  utterly  overthrow  the  state. — Anon. 

Justice  ought  to  be  the  rule  to  the  will  of  kings. 
Antigonus. 

Laws  not  executed  are  of  no  value,  and  as 
well  not  made  as  not  practiced. 

To  make  an  empire  durable,  the  magistrates 
must  obey  the  laws  and  the  people  the  magis- 
trates.— Solon. 

Laws  are  not  made  for  the  good. — Socrates. 

Kings  ought  to  be  kings  in  all  things. — Adrian. 

Royalty  consists  not  in  vain  pomp,  but  in  great 
virtues. — Agesilaus. 

LIFE  AND  DEATH. 

An  honorable  death  is  better  than  an  inglori- 
ous life. — Socrates. 

He  who  fears  death  has  already  lost  the  life  he 
covets. —  Cato- 

No  man  is  so  old  but  thinks  he  may  yet  live 
another  year. — Hicronimus. 

We  should  live  as  though  our  life  would  be 
both  long  and  short. — Bias. 

We  had  better  die  at  once,  than  to  live  con- 
stantly in  fear  of  death: — Dion. 


838  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

Life  is  short,  yet  sweet. — Euripides. 
LOVE. 

To  love  and  be  wise,  is  scarcely  possible   to  a 
Hod. — Publius  Syrus. 

A  lover's  soul  lives  in  the  body  of  his  mistress. 
Plutarch. 

Love  heats  the  brain,  and  anger  makes  a  poet. 
Juvenal. 

A  man  has  choice  to  begin  love,  but  not  to  end 
it. 

True  love  is  never  idle,  but  worketh  to  serve 
him  whom  he  loveth. — Augustine. 

An  incensed  lover  shuts  his  eyes,  and  tells  him- 
self many  lies. — Publius  Syrus. 

Love  is  incompatible  with  fear. — Publius  Syrus. 

The  approaches  of  love  must  be  resisted  at  the 
first  assault,  lest  they  undermine  at  the  second.— 
Pythagoras. 

Love  is  a  sweet  tyrany,  because  the  lover  en- 
dureth  his  torments  willingly. — Niphas. 

Sophocles,  being  asked  what  injury  he  would 
wish  to  his  enemy,  replied  "that  he  might  love 
where  he  was  not  loved  again." 

Love  teaches  music  ;  though  a  man  be  unskill- 
ful. Anon. 

RICHES  AND  POVERTY. 

Prefer  loss  to  unjust  gain. 

Fortune  gives  to  many  too  much,  but  to  none 
enough. — Labcrias. 


PROVERBS    OF    A  I,  I.    NATIONS.  239 

Men  would  live  exceedingly  quiet  if  these  two 
words,  mine  and  thine,  were  taken  away. — Anax- 
agoras. 

It  is  a  rare  miracle  for  money  to  lack  a  mas- 
ter.— Bias . 

Need  teaches  things  unlawful. — Seneca. 

He  who  lives  after  na.t-ure,  shall  never  be  poor; 
after  opinion,  shall  nevf1  be  rich. 

Praise  not  the  unworthy  on  account  of  their 
wealth. — Bias. 

He  is  truly  rich,  who  desires  nothing;  and  he 
is  truly  poor,  who  covets  all. — Solon. 

Men  are  neither  suddenly  rich  nor  suddenly 
good. — Labcrias. 

If  rich,  be  not  elated  ;  if  poor,  be  not  dejected. 
Socrates. 

If  thou  knowest  how  to  use  money,  it  will  be- 
come thy  band-maid  ;  if  not,  it  will  become  thy 
master. — Diodorus. 

He  i-;  richest  who  is  contented   with  least ;  for 
content  is  the  wealth  of  a  nation. 
PUBLIC  OFFICERS. 

M  en  in  authority  are  eyes  in  a  state,  according 
to  whose  life  every  man  applieth  his  manner  of 
Hying. 

The  buyers  of  offices  sell  by  retail  what  they 
bty  in  gross. 

The  most  useful  wisdom  is — when  public  offi- 
cers oractise,  what  philosophers  teach. 


840  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

Where  offices  are  vendible,  there  the  best 
moneyed  block-head  bears  the  greatest  sway. 

Those  who   sell   offices    sell   the    most  sacred 
things  in  the  world,  even  justice  itself,  public  pros- 
perity, the  people  and  the  laws 
TRUTH. 

Cuetom,  though  ever  so  ancient,  without  truth, 
is  but  an  old  error. —  Cyprian. 

If  thou  speakest  what  thou  wilt,  thou  shait  hear 
what  thou  wouldst  not. — Bias. 

He  who  conceals  a  useful  truth,  is  equally 
guilty  with  the  propagator  of  an  injurious  false- 
hood.— Augustine. 

Good  men  are  sometimes  in  greater  danger 
from  speaking  the  truth,  than  evil  men  from  speak- 
ing falsely. — Plautus. 

TIME. 

Nothing  is  more  precious  than  time,  yet  noth- 
ing less  valued. — Bernard. 

No  grief  is  so  acute  but  time  ameliorates  it. 
Cicero. 

Things  past  may  be  repented,  but  not  recalled. 
Livy. 

A  philosopher  being  asked — what  was  the  first 
thing  necessary  to  win  the  love  of  a  woman,  an- 
swered— opportunity. 

Time  is  the  herald  of  truth. —  Cicero. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  241 

VIRTUE. 

It  is  difficult  to  persuade  mankind  that  the  love 
of  virtue  is  the  love  of  themselves. —  Cicero. 

Some,  by  admiring  other  men's  virtues,  become 
enemies  to  their  own  vices. — Bias. 

The  remembrance  of  a  well  spent  life  is  sweet. 

Praise  is  the  hire  of  virtue. — Cicero. 

In  doing  what  we  ought  we  deserve  no  praise 
because  it  is  our  duty. — Augustine. 

What  you  would  not  have  done  to  yourselves, 
never  do  to  others. — Alexander  Saverus. 

One  ought  to  remember  kindnesses  received, 
and  forget  those  we  have  done. — Chile. 

A  righteous  man  regardeth  the  life  of  his  beast, 
but  the  tender  mercies  of  the  wicked  are  cruel. 

Do  good  to  your  friend,  that  he  may  be  more 
wholly  yours  ;  to  your  enemy, that  he  may  become 
}our  friend. — Cleobulus. 

Such  as  have  virtue  always  in  their  mouths, 
and  neglect  it  in  practice,  are  like  a  harp,  which 
emits  a  sound  pleasing  to  others,  while  itself  is 
insensible  of  the  music. — Diogenes. 

A  good  man  cares  not  for  the  reproofs  of  evil 
men . — Dcmocritus. 

Every  thing  great  is  not  always  good,  but  all 
good  things  are  great. — Demosthenes. 

Covet  nothing  over  much. —  Chilo 
16 


242  PROVERBS    OK    ALL    NATIONS 

A  soul  conversant  with  virtue,  resembles  a 
fountain,  for  it  is  clear,  and  gentle,  and  sweet, 
and  communicative,  and  rich,  and  harmless,  and 
innocent. — Epictetus. 

Satan  is  a  subtle  angler,  and  uses  great  cun- 
ning in  the  casting  of  his  net,  and  searching  out 
the  vein  of  water,  where  every  one  is  delighted. 
Basil. 

In  childhood  be  modest,  in  youth  temperate,  in 
manhood  just,  in  old  age  prudent. — Socrates. 

He  that  helps  the  wicked,  hurts  the  good. 
Crates. 

What  we  have  in  us  of  the  image  of  God  is 
the  love  of  truth  and  justice. — Demosthenes. 

Diversity  of  religion  is  the  ground  of  persecu- 
tion, in  show;  but  it  is  ambition  in  effect. 

The  end  of  a  dissolute  life  is,  commonly,  a 
desperate  death. — Bion. 

Virtue  makcth  men  on  the  earth  famous,  in 
their  graves  illustrious,  in  the  heavens  immortal. 
Ckilo. 

Nothing  is  profitable  which  is  dishonest. — Cicer- 
ro. 

He  that  works  wickedness  by  another,  is  guilty 
of  the  fact  committed  himself. — Bias. 

A  work  well  begun  is  half  ended. — Plato 

We  should  never  remember  the  benefits  we 
have  conferred,  nor  forget  the  favors  received. — 
Chflo. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS  243 

The  eye  strays  not  while  under  the  guidance  of 
reason. — Publius  Syrus. 

If  you  pursue  good  with  labor,  the  labor  passes 
away  and  the  good  remains  ;  but  if  you  pursue 
pleasure  with  evil,  the  pleasure  passes  away  and 
the  evil  remains. — Cicero. 

The  judge  must  be  condemned,  when  he  ab- 
solves the  guilty. — Publius. Syrus. 

Every  vice  has  a  cloak,  and  creeps  in  under  the 
name  of  virtue. 

Ingenious  shame,  once  lost,  is  never  regained. 
Publius  Syrus. 

Trust  no  secrets  to  a  friend,  which,  if  reported, 
would  bring  infamy. —  Thales. 

It  is  a  noble  satisfaction  to  be  ill  spoken  of, 
when  we  are  conscious  of  doing  right. — Alexan- 
der, King  of  Macedon. 

We  cannot  control  the  tongues  of  others,  but  a 
good  life  enables  us  to  despise  calumnies. — D. 
Cato. 

The  vicious  obey  their  passions,  as  slaves  do 
their  masters. — Diogenes. 

Wicked  men  cannot  be  friends,  either  among 
tnemselves  or  with  the  good. — Socrates. 

Vices  that  are  familiar  we  pardon,  and  only 
new  ones  reprehend. — Publius  Syrus. 

Virtue  though  momentarily  shamed,  cannot  be 
extinguished. — Publius  Syrus. 

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844  PROVERBS    OF   ALL    NATIONS. 

Every  one  should  make  the  case  of  the  injured 
his  own. — So/on. 

The  way  to  make  ourselves  admired,  is  to  be 
what  we  affect  to  be  thought. — Socrates. 

Virtue,  and1  not  the  laws  and  ordinance  of  men, 
is  the  rule  of  a  wise  man. — Antisthenes. 

No  one  ever  lost  his  honor,  except  he  who  had 
it  not. — Publius  Syrus. 

WISDOM. 

Ignorant  men  differ  from  beasts  only  in  their 
figure . — Cleanthcs. 

It  is  less  pain  to  learn  in  youth,  than  to  be  ig 
norant  in  age. 

Wisdom  provides  things  necessary,  not  super- 
fluous.— Solon. 

A  wise  man  is  never  less  alone  than  when  he  is 
alone . — Ambrose. 

He  must  be  a  wise  man  himself,  who  is  capa- 
ble of  distinguishing  one. — Diogenes. 

Wisdom  adorns  riches,  and  shadows  poverty. 
Socrates. 

Learning  is  an  ornament  in  prosperity,  a  ref 
uge  in  adversity,  and  the  best  provision  in  old 
age . — Aristotle. 

They  who  educate  children  well,  are  more  to 
be  honored,  than  they  who  produce  them ;  for 
these  only  gave  them  life,  those  the  art  of  living 
well . — Aristotle 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS;  245 


It  is  no  shame  for  a  man  to  learn  that  he  know- 
eth  not,  whatever  age  he  may  be. — Isocrates. 

To  know,  and  not  be  able  to  perform,  is  doubly 
un  fortun  ate . — Solon . 

Alexander  the  great  valued  learning  so  highly, 
that  he  used  to  say,  "that  he  was  more  indebted 
to  Aristotle  for  giving  him  knowledge,  than  to  his 
father  Philip  for  life." 

Socrates  thanked  God  for  three  things: — first, 
that  he  was  born  a  man  and  not  a  woman ;  sec- 
ond, that  he  was  born  a  Grecian ;  and  thirdly, 
that  he  was  a  philosopher. 

He  is  sufficiently  well  learned,  tnat  knows  how 
to  do  well,  and  has  power  enough  to  refrain  from 
evil. —  Cicero. 

Arrogance  is  the  obstructien  of  wisdom. — Bion- 

One  part  of  knowledge  consists  in  being  igno- 
rant of  such  things  as  are  not  worthy  to  be  known. 
Crates. 

Wise  men,  though  all  laws  were  abolished, 
would  lead  the  same  lives. — Aristophanes. 

Knowledge,  without  education,  is  but  armed 
injustice. — Horace. 

It  is  better  to  be  unborn  than  untaught ;  for 
ignorance  is  the  roof  of  misfortune. — Plato. 

Wise  men  are  instructed  by  reason  ;  men  of 
less  understanding  by  experience  ;  the  most  ig- 
norant by  necessity;  and  beasts  by  nature. — 
Cicero. 


246  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

Aristippus  being  asked  what  he  learnt  by  phil- 
osophy, replied  'he  learnt  to  live  well  with  all  the 
world.' 

WOMEN. 

A  wanton  eye  is  a  messenger  of  an  unchaste 
heart. — Augustine. 

A  beautiful  and  chaste  woman  is  the  perfect 
workmanship  of  God,  the  true  glory  of  angels, 
the  rare  miracle  of  the  earth,  and  sole  wonder  of 
the  world. — Hermes. 

As  no  man  can  tell  where  a  shoe  pincheth  better 
than  he  that  wears  it,  so  no  man  can  tell  a  wo- 
man's disposition  better  than  he  that  hath  wedded 
her. — Marcus  Aurelius. 

Beauty  in  the  face  of  women,  and  folly  in  their 
hearts,  be  two  worms  that  fret  life  and  waste 
goods. 

Women  that  are  chaste  when  they  are  trusted, 
prove  wantons  when  they  are  unjustly  suspected. 

Trust  not  a  woman  when  she  weepeth,  for  it  is 
her  nature  to  weep  when  she  wanteth  her  will. — 
Socrates. 

Whoso  findeth  a  wife,  findeth  a  good  thing. — 
Solomon. 

Woman  either  loves  or  hates ;  her  affections 
know  no  medium. — Publius  Syrus. 

It  is  a  blind  man's  question  to  ask,  why  those 
things  are  loved  which  are  beautiful. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  247 

Women  that  puint  themselves  to  seem  beauti- 
ful, do  clearly  deface  the  image  of  their  Crea- 
tor.— Ambrose. 

Never  praise  a  man  for  being  like  a  woman, 
nor  a  woman  for  resembling  a  man. — Q&daretus. 

Humble  wedlock  is  better  than  proud  virginity. 
Augustine. 

Marriage,  with  peace,  is  the  world's  paradise; 
with  strife,  this  life's  purgatory. 

A  woman  without  dowry  has  no  liberty  to 
speak. — Euripido  . 

The  Grecian  ladies  counted  their  age  from  their 
marriage  not  their  birth. — Homer. 

As  a  jewel  of  gold  in  a  hog's  snout,  so  is  a  fair 
\vo/n?ni  without  virtue. — Solomon. 

niiftc:Er.i<ANEous  MAXIMS 

As  we  must  render  an  account  of  every  idle 
word,  so  must  we  likewise  of  our  idle  silence. — 
Ambrose. 

A  filthy  subject  defrauds  Poetry  of  her  due 
praise. 

Advise  not  what  is  most  pleasant,  but  what  is 
most  useful. — Solon. 

Actions  measured  by  time,  seldom  prove  bitter 
by  repentance. 

"As  I  am  Antonius  "  said  the  Emperor,  "  Rome 


248  PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 


is  my  city  and  my  country ;  but,  as  I  am  a  man, 
the  world." 

Adultery  desires  no  procreation,  but  pleasure. — 
Anselrn. 

As  sight  is  in  the  eye,  so  is  the  mind  in  the 
soul . — Sophocles. 

A  stranger,  if  just,  is  not  only  to  be  preferred 
before  a  countryman,  but  a  kinsman. — Pythagoras. 
Be  always  at  leisure  to  do  good  ;  neve"  make 
business  an  excuse  to  decline  the  offices  of  hu 
manity. — Marcus  Aurelius. 

Bear,  and  blame  not,  what  you  cannot  change. 
— Publius  Syj-us. 

Charity  is  the  scope  of  all  God's  commands. — 
Chrysostom. 

Cato  said  "he  had  rather  people  should  inquire 
why  he  had  not  a  statue  erected  to  his  memory, 
than  why  he  had." 

Christ's  coat  indeed  had  no  seam,  but  the 
church's  vesture  is  01'  divers  colors. — Ambrose. 

Courage  consists  not  in  hazarding  without  fear, 
but  in  being  resolutely  minded  in  a  just  cause. — 
Plutarch. 

Conscience  is  the  chamber  of  justice. — Origen. 
Divinity  cannot  be  defined. — Polileuphia. 
Depend  not  on  fortune,  but  conduct. — Publius 
Syrus. 

Dignity  does  not  consist  in  posessing  honors, 
but  deserving  them.— -Aristotle. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS.  249 

Fame  is  the  perfume  of  heroic  deeds. — Socrates. 

Fortune  has  no  power  over  discretion. — Solon. 

Flattery  is  like  friendship  in  show,  but  not  in 
fr  ui  t .  • —  Socrates . 

Fortitude  is  the  mean  between  fear  and 
rashness. 

Fortune  dreads  the  brave,  and  is?  only  terrible 
to  the  coward. 

He  who  fears  his  servants  is  less  than  a  ser- 
vant. 

He  is  a  worthless  being  who  lives  only  for 
himself. 

He  denies  himself,  who  asks  what  it  is  impos- 
sible to  grant. 

However  wretched  a  fellow  mortal  may  be,  he 
is  still  a  member  of  our  common  species. — Scncea. 

He  threatens  many  who  injures  one. — Publius 
Syr  us. 

Hope  is  o  working  man's  dream.— Pliny. 

He  is  doubly  sinful  who  congratulates  a  suc- 
cussful  knave.— Publius  Syrus. 

It  is  as  hard  for  thn  good  to  suspect  evil,  as  it 
is  for  the  bad  to  suspect  good.—  Cicero 

It  is  difficult  keeping  that  which  is  admired  by 
many.— Publius  Syrus. 

It  is  a  fraud  to  borrow  what  we  are  not  able  to 
repay.— Ibid. 

It  is  cruelty  to  the  innocent  not  to  punish  the 
ffuilty. — Ibid. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 


Know  thyself. —  C/tilo. 

Labor  is  a  mortal  enemy  to  love,  and  a  deadly 
foe  to  fancy. 

Light  cares  speak,  great  ones  are  dumb.— Seneca. 

Memory  tempers  prosperity,  mitigates  adversity, 
controls  youth,  and  delights  old  age. — Lactantius. 

Moderate  honors  are  wont  to  augment,  but 
immoderate  to  diminish'—  Theopompus. 

Necessity  makes  war  to  be  just. — Bias. 

Nothing  is  more  easy  than  to  deceive  one's  self, 
as  our  affections  are  subtle  persuaders. — Demos- 
thenes. 

Of  things  above  we  judge  from  things  below. 

Whence  can  we  reason  but  from  what  we 
know. —  Goto. 

One  should  make  a  serious  study  of  a  pastime. 
— Alexander  the  Great. 

Opinion  is  the  great  pillar  which  upholds  the 
Commonwealth. — Portanus. 

Prosperty  makes  friends,  and  adversity  tries 
them . — Pacuvius. 

Patience  is  so  like  fortitude,  that  she  seems 
either  her  sister  or  her  daughter. — Aristotle. 

Patience  under  old  injuries  invites  new  ones. — 
Publius  Syrus. 

Pardon  others  often,  thyself  never. — Ibid. 

Regard  not  dreams,  since  they  are  but  the  im- 
ages of  our  hopes  and  fears. — Cato. 


PROVERBS    OF    ALL    NATIONS. 

Remove  not  the  ancient  landmarks  which  thy 
fathers  have  set. 

Speech  is  the  gift  of  all,  but  thought  of  few. — 
D.  Cato. 

Sudden  movements  of  the  mind  often  break  out 
either  for  great  good  or  great  evil. — Homer. 

Success  consecrates  the  foulest  crimes. —Seneca 

Shame  may  restrain  what  the  law  does  not 
prohibit. — Seneca. 

So  live  and  hope  as  if  thou  wouldst  die  imme- 
diately.— Pliny. 

To  prescribe  physic  for  the  dead,  and  advice  to 
the  old,  is  the  same  thing. — Diogenes. 

Too  much  sorrow  in  a  man  is  as  much  to  be 
condemned,  as  too  much  boldness  in  a  woman. — 
Bias. 

To  be  commended  by  those  who  might  blame 
without  fear,  gives  great  pleasure.— Agcsilaus. 

Two  things  ought  to  be  the  object  of  our  fear, 
the  envy  of  friends,  and  the  hatred  of  enemies. 

The  most  delightful  pleasures  cloy  without  va- 
riety.— PubKus  Syrus. 

The  misries  of  the  virtuous  are  the  scandal  of 
the  good. — Publius  Syrus. 

The  most  dangerous  of  wild  beasts  is  a  slan- 
derer ;  of  tame  ones,  a  flatterer. 

The  world  is  a  great  book,  of  which  they  that 
never  stir  from  home  read  only  a  page.— Augustine. 


252  PROVERBS    OF   ALL   NATIONS. 

The  praise  of  a  wise  man  is  worth  a  whole 
theatre  of  others. — Pittacus. 

The  remembrance  of  past  calamities  is  pain- 
ful.— Publius  Syrus. 

The  useful  and  beautiful  are  never  apart. — 
Periander. 

There  can  no  be  affinity  nearer  than  our  coun- 
try.— Plato. 

The  way  of  a  fool  is  right  in  his  own  eyes. — 
Solomon. 

The  contemplation  that  tends  to  solitude.,  is  but 
a  specious  title  to  idleness. 

War  is  the  sink  of  all  injustice. 


He  who  pitieth  another  recommendeth  himself, 
But  be  who  is  without  compassion  deserveih  it  not. 

Page  283. 


THE 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE, 


TRANSLATED 


WRITTEN 


BY    AN    ANCIENT    BRAMIN 


DAYTON.     0.: 
PUBLISHED     BY     B .     F.     ELLS. 

1852. 

255 


TO    THE    PUBLIC. 


THE  spirit  of  virtue  and  morality  which  breathes  in  this  an- 
cient piece  of  Eastern  Instruction,  its  force  and  conciseness, 
and  the  hopes  that  it  may  do  good,  have  prevailed  with  the 
person  to  whom  it  was  sent,  to  communicate  to  the  public  what 
was  translated  only  for  his  particular  amusement  There  are 
some  reasons  which  at  present  make  it  proper  to  conceal  the 
name  of  his  correspondent,  who  has  now  resided  in  China  seve- 
ral years,  and  been  engaged  in  a  business  very  different  from 
that  of  collecting  literary  curiosities.  These  reasons  will  not 
subsist  long;  and  as  he  seems  to  intimate  a  design,  on  his  re- 
turn to  England,  of  publishing  an  entire  translation  of  Cao 
tsou's  whole  journey,  the  Public  will  then,  in  all  probability, 
have  an  opportunity  of  being  satisfied  concerning  any  particu- 
lars which  they  may  be  curious  to  know. 


256 


CONTEXTS. 


FIRST    PART, 


To  THE  FCBLIC 
TOTHIKARL  OF 

INTRODCCTIOM 


255 
£59 
265 


DUTIES     THAT     RELATE     TO     MAN     CONSIDERED 
AS     AS     INDIVIDUAL. 

Consideration          .......  266 

Modesty         -  267 

Application  ........  268 

Emulation    -.-.-•••  270 

Prudence       ........  271 

Fortitude 273 

Contentment  .......  274 

Temperance  •  «  -"-          -  -  -          -  276 


THE     PASSIONS. 


Hope  and  Fear 

Joy  and  Grief 

Anger 

Pity    - 

Desire  and  Love 

"Woman 


278 
279 
281 

283 

284 
285 


C  O  N  S  A  N  G  U  I  N  1  T  T, 
Husband  ... 
Father 

Son    .... 
Brothers        ... 


OR     NATURAL     RELATIONS. 


PROVIDENCE,     OR     THE     ACCIDENTAL 
DIFFERENCE     OF     MEN. 


Wise  and  Ignorant 
Poor  and  Rich 
Masters  and  Servants 
Magistrates  and  Subjects 


Benevolence 


THE     SOCIAL      DUTIES. 


17 


257 
1 


290 
291 
292 


293 
294 
296 

297 


.299 


CONTENTS. 


Page. 

Justice          -           •    j.  •  •v    -f   •»    ,     -f   ,-      ... 

300 

Charity         -           -           -          -          .          •                     » 

301 

Gratitude      -           •  •     •«*  ;  ,,.»,.,.  ^  .   ^    .         ••          « 

302 
303 

Religion        -           -           .'•••..."-••• 

305 

SECOND    PART. 

To   THE   KARL   OF   CHESTERFIELD     -               .               . 

309 

MAN     CONSIDERED     IN     THE     GENERAL 

Of  the  Human  Frame  and  Structure                .           .           . 

310 

Of  the  Use  of  the  Senses  -          •          •   '       • 

311 

The  soul  of  Man,  its  Origin  and  Affections     - 

313 

Of  the  Period  and  Uses  of  Human  Life            «. 

316 

MAN     CONSIDERED     IN     REGARD     TO     HIS 

I  N- 

FIRMITIES     AND     THEIR     EFFECTS. 

Vanity       •              ....... 

321 

Inconstancy            ....... 

323 

"Weakness     -          •     »  0  1 

326 

Of  the  Insufficiency  of  Knowledge       - 

329 

Misery       •  •       <» 

333 

Judgment      ........ 

335 

Presumption 

339 

OF     THE     AFFECTIONS     OF     MAN     WHICH 

ARE 

HURTFUL     TO     HIMSELF     AND     OTHERS 

. 

Covetousness          -           -           •          »           -           •          • 

342 

oje 

Revenge        ........ 

••• 

346 

Cruelty,  Hatred,  and  Envy         -           •           •           •     • 

349 

Heaviness  of  Heart          -           •           •    •      -    •       • 

351 

OF    THE    ADVANTAGE    MAN    MAT    ACQUIRE    OVER 

HIS    F  E  L  L  O  W  -CRE  A  TURES. 

Nobility  and  Honor         •    '*     .  J  '    •    \  *  •  '        « 

35C 

Science  and  Learning       -           -•      .••«>»:,•. 

359 

OF     NATURAL     ACCIDENTS. 

Prosperity  and  Adversity             ... 

362 
364 

Death           -           -        :  f.  '"r    J':;'."-;     '.*'  T  .  »        '* 

365 
366 

TO     THE     EAKL     OF     CHESTERFIELD. 

My  Lord,  Pekin,  May  12,  1749. 

IN  the  last  letter  which  I  had  the  honor  of  writing  to  your 
Lordship,  dated  Dec.  23,  1748,  I  think  I  concluded  all  I  had  to 
say  iu.  regard  to  the  topography  and  natural  history  of  this 
great  empire.  I  purposed,  iu  this  and  some  succeeding  ones,  to 
set  down  such  observations  as  I  have  been  able  to  make  on  the 
laws,  government,  religion,  and  manners  of  the  people.  But  a 
remarkable  occurrence  has  happened-lately,  which  engrosses 
the  conversation  of  the  literati  here,  and  may  hereafter  perhaps 
afford  matter  of  speculation  to  the  learned  in  Europe.  As  it  is 
of  a  nature  which,  I  know,  will  furnish  some  entertainment  to 
your  Lordship,  I  will  endeavor  to  give  you  as  distinct  and  par- 
ticular an  account  of  It  as  I  have  been  able  to  obtain. 

Adjoining  to  China  on  the  west  is  the  large  country  of  Thibet, 
called  by  some  Barantola.  In  a  province  of  this  country,  named 
Lasa,  resides  the  Grand  Lama,  or  High  Priest  of  these  Idola- 
ters, who  is  reverenced  and  even  adored  as  a  god  by  most  of 
the  neighboring  nations.  The  high  opinion  which  is  entertain- 
ed of  his  sacred  character  induces  prodigious  numbers  of  reli- 
gious people  to  resort  to  Lasa,  to  pay  their  homage  to  him,  and 
to  give  him  presents  in  order  to  receive  his  blessings.  His  resi- 
dence is  in  a  most  magnificent  pagod,  or  temple,  built  on  the 
top  of  the  mountain  Portala*  The  foot  of  this  mountain,  and 
even  the  whole  district  of  Lasa,  is  inhabited  by  an  incredible 

number  of  Lamas  of  different  ranks  and  oders,  several  of  whom 

259 


260  TO   THE    EARL   OF    CHESTERFIELD. 


have  very  grand  pagods  erected  to  their  honor,  in  which  they 
receive  a  kind  of  inferior  worship.  The  whole  country,  like 
Italy,  abounds  with  priests ;  and  they  entirely  subsist  on  the 
great  number  of  rich  presents  which  are  sent  them  from  the  ut- 
most extent  of  Tartary,  from  the  empire  of  the  Great  Mogule 
and  from  almost  all  parts  of  the  East. 

When  the  Grand  Lama  receives  the  adorations  of  the  people, 
he  is  raised  on  a  magnificent  altar,  and  sits  cross-legged  upon 
a  splendid  cushion  ;  his  worshipers  prostrate  themselves  before 
him,  in  the  humblest  and  most  abject  manner;  but  he  returns 
not  the  least  sign  of  respect,  or  ever  speaks,  even  to  the  greatest 
Princes  ;  he  only  lays  his  hand  upon  their  heads,  and  they  are 
fully  persuaded  that  they  receive' from  thence  a  full  forgiveness 
of  all  their  sins.  They  are  likewise  so  extravagant  as  to  imag- 
ine that  he  knows  all  things,  even  the  secrets  of  the  heart ;  and 
his  particular  disciples,  being  a  select  number  of  about  two  hun- 
dred of  the  most  eminent  Lamas,  have  the  address  to  make  the 
people  believe  he  is  immortal,  and  that  whenever  he  appears  to 
die  he  only  changes  his  place  of  abode,  and  animates  a  new 
body. 

The  learned  in  China  have  long  been  of  opinion  that,  in  the 
archives  of  this  grand  temple,  some  very  ancient  books  have, 
for  many  ages,  been  concealed  :  and  the  present  emperor,  who 
is  very  curious  in  searching  after  the  writings  of  antiquity,  be- 
came at  length  so  fully  conceived  of  the  probability  of  this  opin- 
ion, that  he  determined  to  try  whether  any  discovery  of  this 
sort  could  be  made. 

To  this  end,  his  first  care  was  to'  find  out  a  person  eminently 
skilful  in  the  ancient  languages  and  characters.  He  at  length 
pitched  upon  one  of  the  Hanslins,  or  Doctors  of  the  first  order, 


TO    THE   EAKL   OF    CHESTERFIELD.  261 

whose  name  was  Cao-tsou,  a  man  about  fifty  years  of  age,  of 
a  grave  and  noble  aspect,  of  great  eloquence,  and  by  au  acci- 
dental friendship  with  a  certain  learned  Lama,  who  had  resided 
many  years  at  Pekin,  was  become  entirely  master  of  the  lan- 
guage which  the  Lamas  of  Thibet  used  among  themselves. 

With  these  qualifications  he  set  forward  on  his  journey  ;  and 
to  give  his  commission  the  greater  weight,  the  Emperor  honored 
him  with  the  title  of  Colca,  or  Prime  Minister  :  to  which  he  ad- 
ded a  most  magnificent  equipage  and  attendance,  with  presents 
for  the  Grand  Lama  and  other  principal  Lamas  of  an  immense 
value  ;  also  a  letter  written  with  his  own  hand,  in  the  following 
terms  : —  • 

'TO     THE    GREAT 

REPRESENTATIVE    OF    GOD. 
'  Most  High,  most  Holy  and  worthy  to  be  adored  ! 

'WE  the  Emperor  of  China,  Sovereign  of  all  the  Sovereigns 
of  the  earth,  iu  the  person  of  this  our  most  respected  Prime 
Minister,  Cao-tsou,  with  all  reverence  and  humility,  prostrate 
ourselves  beneath  thy  sacred  feet,  and  implore  for  ourselves, 
our  friends,  and  our  empire,  thy  most  powerful  and  gracious 
benediction. 

'  Having  a  strong  desire  to  search  into  the  records  of  anti- 
quity, to  learn  and  retrieve  the  wisdom  of  the  ages  that  are 
past ;  and  being  well  informed  that  in  the  sacred  repositories 
of  thy  most  ancient  and  venerable  hierarchy,  there  are  some 
valuable  books,  which,  from  their  antiquity,  are  become,  to  the 
generality  even  of  the  learned,  almost  wholly  unintelligible ; 
in  order,  as  far  as  in  us  lies,  to  prevent  their  being  totally  lost, 
•we  have  thought  proper  to  authorize  and  employ  our  most  learn- 
ed and  respected  prime  minster,  Cao-tsou,  in  this  our  present 


262  TO   THE   EARL   OF    CHESTERFIELD. 

embassy  to  thy  sublime  Holiness :  the  business  of  which  is  to 
desire  that  he  may  be  permitted  to  read  and  examine  the  said 
writings  ;  we  expecting,  from  his  great  and  uncommon  skill  in 
the  ancient  languages,  that  he  will  be  able  to  interpret  what- 
ever may  be  found,  though  of  the  highest  and  most  obscure  an- 
tiquity. And  we  have  commanded  him  to  throw  himself  at  thy 
feet,  with  such  testimonies  of  our  respect,  as,  we  trust,  will  pro- 
cure him  the  admittance  we  desire.' 

I  will  not  detain  your  Lordship  with  any  particulars  of  his 
journey,  though  he  has  published  a  long  account  of  it,  abound- 
ing with  many  surprising  relations,  and  which,  at  may  return 
to  England,  I  may  probably  translate  and  publish  entire.  Let 
it  suffice  for  the  present,  that,  when  he  arrived  in  these  sacred 
territories,  the  magnificence  of  his  appearance,  and  the  richness 
of  his  presents  failed  not  to  gain  him  a  ready  admission.  He 
had  apartments  appointed  him  in  the  sacred  College,  and  was 
assisted  in  his  iaquiries  by  one  of  the  most  learned  Lamas.  He 
continued  there  near  six  months  ;  during  which  time  he  had 
the  satisfaction  of  finding  many  valuable  pieces  of  antiquity; 
from  some  of  which  he  has  made  very  curious  extracts,  and 
has  formed  such  probable  conjectures  concerning  their  authors, 
and  the  times  wherein  they  were  written,  as  prove  him  to  be  a 
man  of  great  judgment  and  penetration,  as  well  as  extensive 
reading. 

But  the  most  ancient  piece  he  has  discovered,  and  which 
none  of  the  Lamas  for  many  ages  had  been  able  to  interpret  or 
understand,  is  a  small  system  of  morality,  written  in  the  lan- 
guage and  character  of  the  ancient  Gymnosophists,  or  Bramins  ; 
out  by  what  particular  person,  or  in  what  time,  he  does  not  pre- 
tend to  determine.  This  piece,  however  he  wholly  translated, 


TO   THE   EARL   OF   CHESTERFIELD.  263 

though,  as  he  himself  confesses,  with  an  utter  incapacity  of 
reaching,  in  the  Chinese  language,  the  strength  and  sublimity 
of  the  original.  The  judgments  and  opinions  of  the  Bonzees 
and  the  learned  Doctors  are  very  divided  concerning  it.  Those 
•who  admire  it  most  highly  are  very  fond  of  attributing  it  to 
Confucius,  their  own  great  philosopher,  and  get  over  the  diffi- 
culty of  its  being  written  in  the  language  and  character  of  the 
ancient  Bramins,  by  supposing  this  to  be  only  a  translation,  and 
the  original  work  of  Confucius  is  lost.  Some  will  have  it  to  be 
the  institutes  of  Lao  Kmn,  another  Chinese  Philosopher,  con- 
temporary with  Confucius,  and  founder  of  the  sect  Tao-see  : 
but  these  labor  under  the  same  difficulty  in  regard  to  the  lan- 
guage, with  those  who  attribute  it  to  Confucius.  There  are 
others  who,  from  some  particular  marks  and  sentiments  which 
they  find  in  it,  suppose  it  to  be  written  by  the  Bramin  Danda- 
mis,  whose  celebrated  letter  to  Alexander  the  Great  is  recorded 
by  the  European  writers.  With  these  Cao-tsou  himself  seems 
most  inclined  to  agree ;  at  least  so  far  as  to  think  that  it  is 
really  the  work  of  some  ancient  Bramin  ;  being  fully  persuaded, 
from  the  spirit  with  which  it  is  written,  that  it  is  no  translation. 
One  thing,  however,  occasions  some  doubt  amongst  them,  and 
that  is  the  plan  of  it,  which  is  entirely  new  to  the  eastern  people, 
and  so  unlike  any  thing  they  have  ever  seen,  that  if  it  were  not 
for  some  turns  of  expression  peculiar  to  the  East,  and  the  im- 
possibility of  accounting  for  its  being  written  in  this  very  an- 
cient language,  many  would  suppose  it  to  be  the  work  of  a  Eu- 
ropean. But  whoever  was  the  writer  of  it,  the  great  noise 
•which  it  makes  in  this  city,  and  all  over  the  empire,  the  eager- 
ness with  which  it  is  read  by  all  kinds  of  people,  and  the  high 
encomiums  which  are  given  to  it  by  some,  at  length  determin- 


264  TO   THE   EARL   OF    CHESTERFIELD. 

ed  me  to  attempt  a  translation  of  it  into  English  ;  especially  as 
I  was  persuaded  it  would  be  an  agreeable  present  to  your  Lord- 
ship. And  I  was  the  more  easily  induced  to  make  the  trial,  as, 
very  happily  for  me,  you  cannot  judge  how  far  I  have  fallen 
short  of  the  original,  or  even  of  the  Chinese  translation.  One 
thing,  however,  it  may  perhaps  be  necessary  to  apologize  for, 
at  least  to  give  some  account  of  it,  and  that  is  the  style  and 
manner  in  which  I  have  translated  it.  I  can  assure  your  Lord- 
ship that,  when  I  first  sat  down  to  the  work,  I  had  not  the  least 
intention  of  doing  it  in  this  way  ;  but  tke  sublime  manner  of 
thinking  which  appeared  in  the  introduction,  the  great  energy 
of  expression,  and  the  shortness  of  the  sentences,  naturally  led 
me  into  this  kind  of  style  ;  and  I  hope  the  having  so  elegant  a 
pattern  to  form  myself  upon  as  our  version  of  the  book  of  Job, 
the  Psalms,  the  works  of  Solomon,  and  the  Prophets,  has  been 
of  some  advantage  to  my  translation. 

Such  as  it  is,  if  it  affords  your  Lordship  any  entertainment,  I 
shall  think  myself  extremely  happy ;  and  my  next  will  resume 
my  account  of  this  people  and  their  empire. 


THE 

ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE. 

PART    I. 
INTRODUCTION. 

Bow  down  your  heads  unto  the  dust,  0  ye  inhabi- 
tants of  the  earth  !  be  silent,  and  receive  with  reverence 
instructions  from  on  high. 

Wheresoever  the  sun  doth  shine,  wheresoever  the 
the  wind  doth  blow,  wheresoever  there  is  an  ear  to  hear, 
and  a  mind  to  conceive,  there  let  the  precepts  of  life  be 
made  known,  let  the  maxims  of  truth  be  honored  and 
obeyed. 

All  things  proceed  from  God.  His  power  is  un- 
bounded, his  wisdom  is  from  eternity,  and  his  goodness 
endureth  forever. 

He  sitteth  on  his  throne  in  the  centre,  and  the  breath 
of  his  mouth  giveth  life  to  the  world. 

He  toucheth  the  stars  with  his  finger,  and  they  run 
their  course  rejoicing. 

On  the  wings  of  the  wind  he  walketh  abroad,  and 
performeth  his  will  through  all  the  regions  of  unlimited 
space. 

Order,  and  grace,  and  beauty  spring  from  his  hand. 

The  voice  of  wisdom  speaketh  in  all  his  works,  but 
the  human  understanding  comprehendeth  it  not. 

The  shadow  of  knowledge  passeth  over  the  mind  of 

265 


266  ECONOMY    OP    HUMAN    LIFE. 

man  as  a  dream  ;  he  seeth  as  in  the  dark,  he  reasoneth 
and  is  often  deceived. 

But  the  wisdom  of  God  is  as  the  light  of  Heaven ! 
he  reasoneth  not !  his  mind  is  the  foundation  of  truth. 

Justice  and  mercy  wait  before  his  throne :  benevo- 
lence and  love  enlighten  his  countenance  for  ever. 

Who  is  like  unto  the  Lord  in  glory  ?  who  in  power 
shall  contend  with  the  Almighty  ?  Hath  he  any  equal 
in  wisdom  ?  Can  any  in  goodness  be  compared  unto  him  ? 

He  it  is,  0  man  !  who  hath  created  thee  ;  thy  station 
on  earth  is  fixed  by  his  appointment ;  the  powers  of  thy 
mind  are  the  gifts  of  his  goodness ;  the  wonders  of  thy 
frame  are  the  work  of  his  hand. 

Hear  then  his  voice,  for  it  is  gracious ;  he  that  obey- 
eth  shall  establish  his  soul  in  peace. 


DUTIES  THAT  RELATE  TO  MAN  CONSIDERED  AS  AN 

INDIVIDUAL 

CHAPTER   T. 

CONSIDERATION. 

COMMTTNE  with  thyself,  0  man !  and  consider  wherefore 
thou  wert  made. 

Contemplate  thy  powers,  thy  wants,  and  thy  connex- 
ions ;  so  shalt  thou  discover  the  duties  of  life,  and  be 
directed  in  all  thy  ways. 

Proceed  not  to  speak'  or  to  act  before  thou  hast 
weighed  thy  words,  and  examined  the  tendency  of  every 
step  thou  shalt  take ;  so  shall  disgrace  fly  far  from  thee, 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE.  267 

and  in  thy  house  shall  shame  be  a  stranger ;  repentance 
shall  not  visit  thee,  nor  sorrow  dwell  upon  thy  cheek. 

The  thoughtless  man  bridleth  not  his  tongue ;  he 
speaketh  at  random,  and  is  entangled  in  the  foolishness 
of  his  own  words. 

As  one  that  runneth  in  haste,  and  leapeth  over  a 
fence,  may  fall  into  a  pit  which  he  doth  not  see,  so  is 
the  man  that  plungeth  suddenly  into  an  action,  before 
he  hath  considered  the  consequences  thereof. 

Hearken  therefore  unto  the  voice  of  Consideration ; 
her  words  are  the  words  of  Wisdom,  and  her  paths 
shall  lead  thee  to  safety  and  truth. 

CHAPTER   II. 
MODESTT. 

WHO  art  thou,  0  man !  that  presumest  on  thine  own 
wisdom  ?  or  why  dost  thou  vaunt  thyself  on  thine  own 
acquirements  ? 

The  first  step  towards  being  wise  is  to  know  that  thou 
art  ignorant ;  and  if  thou  wouldest  be  esteemed  in  the 

O 

judgment  of  others,  cast  off  the  folly  of  seeming  wise 
in  thine  own  conceit. 

As  a  plain  garment  best  adorneth  a  beautiful  woman, 
so  a  decent  behavior  is  the  greatest  ornament  of  wisdom. 

The  speech  of  a  mosdest  man  giveth  lustre  to  truth ; 
and  the  diffidence  of  his  words  excuseth  his  error. 

He  relieth  not  on  his  own  wisdom ;  he  weigheth  the 
counsels  of  a  friend,  and  receiveth  the  benefit  thereof. 

He  turneth  away  his  ear  from  his  own  praise,  and 


268  ECONOMY   u  y   HUMAN  LIFE. 

bt-lieveth  it  not;  he  is  the  last  in  discovering  his  own 
perfections. 

Yet  as  a  veil  addeth  to  beauty,  so  are  his  virtues  set 
off  by  the  shade  which  his  modesty  casteth  upon  them. 

But  behold  the  vain  man,  and  observe  the  arrogant ; 
he  clotheth  himself  in  rich  attire,  he  walketh  in  the 
public  street,  he  casteth  round  his  eyes,  and  courteth 
observation. 

He  tosseth  up  his  head,  and  overlooketh  the  poor ;  he 
treateth  his  inferiors  with  insolence ;  and  his  superiors, 
in  return,  look  down  on  his  pride  and  folly  with  laughter. 

He  despiseth  the  judgment  of  others;  he  rclicih  on 
his  own  opinion,  and  is  confounded. 

He  is  puffed  up  with  vanity  of  his  imagination ;  his 
delight  is  to  hear  and  to  speak  himself  all  the  day  long. 

He  swalloweth  with  greediness  his  own  praise ;  and 
the  flatterer  in  return  eateth  him  up. 

CHAPTER   III. 
APPLICATION. 

SINCE  the  days  that  are  past  are  gone  forever,  and 
those  that  are  to  come  may  not  come  to  thee,  it  behov- 
eth  thee,  0  man !  to  employ  the  present  time,  without 
regretting  the  loss  of  that  which  is  past,  or  too  much 
depending  on  that  which  is  to  come. 

This  instant  is  thine ;  the  next  is  in  the  womb  of 
futurity,  and  thou  knowest  not  what  it  may  bring  forth. 

Whatsoever  thou  resolvest  to  do,  do  it  quickly ;  defer 
not  till  the  evening  what  the  morning  may  accomplish. 


ECONOMY    OF     HUMAN    LIFE.  269 

Idleness  is  the  parent  of  want  and  of  pain ;  but  the 
labor  of  virtue  bringeth  forth  pleasure. 

The  hand  of  diligence  defeateth  want ;  prosperity  and 
success  are  the  industrious  man's  attendants. 

Who  is  he  that  hath  acquired  wealth,  that  hath  risen 
to  power,  that  hath  clothed  himself  with  honor,  that  is 
spoken  of  in  the  city  with  praise,  and  that  standeth 
before  the  King  in  his  council  ?  Even  he  that  hath  shut 
out  Idleness  from  his  house,  and  hath  said  unto  Sloth, 
Thou  art  mine  enemy. 

He  riseth  up  early,  and  lieth  down  late ;  he  exerciseth 
his  mind  with  contemplation,  and  his  body  with  action, 
and  preserveth  the  health  of  both. 

The  slothful  man  is  a  burden  to  himself;  his  hours 
hang  heavy  on  his  hands,  he  loitereth  about,  and 
knoweth  not  what  he  would  do. 

His  days  pass  away  like  the  shadow  of  a  cloud,  and 
he  leaveth  behind  him  no  mark  for  remembrance. 

His  body  is  diseased  for  want  of  exercise  ;  he  wishes 
for  action,  but  hath  no  power  to  move.  His  mind  is  in 
darkness,  his  thoughts  are  confused ;  he  longeth  for 
knowledge,  but  hath  no  application.  He  wbuld  eat  of 
the  almond,  but  hateth  the  trouble  of  breaking  th 
shell. 

His  house  is  in  disorder,  his  servants  are  wasteful  ano 
riotous,  and  he  runneth  on  towards  ruin ;  he  seeth  it 
with  his  eyes,  he  heareth  it  with  his  ears,  he  shaketh 
his  head,  and  wisheth  ;  but  hath  no  resolution  ;  till  ruin 
cometh  upon  him  like  a  whirlwind,  and  shame  and 
repentance  descend  with  him  to  the  grave. 


270  ECONOMY    OF     HUMAN    L  I  F  B  . 


CHAPTER    IV. 
EMULATION. 

IF  thy  soul  thirsteth  for  honor,  if  thy  ear  hath  any 
pleasure  in  the  voice  of  praise,  raise  thyself  from  the 
dust  whereof  thou  art  made,  and  exalt  thy  aim  to  some- 
thing that  is  praiseworthy. 

The  examples  of  an  eminent  man  are  in  visions  by 
night ;  and  delight  is  to  follow  them  all  the  day  long. 

He  formeth  great  designs,  he  rejoiceth  in  the  execu- 
tion thereof ;  and  his  name  goeth  forth  to  the  ends  of 
the  world. 

But  the  heart  of  the  envious  man  is  gall  and  bitter- 
ness: his  tongue  spitteth  venom;  the  success  of  his 
neighbor  breaketh  his  rest. 

He  sitteth  in  his  cell  repining ;  and  the  good  tnat 
happeneth  to  another  is  to  him  an  evil. 

Hatred  and  malice  feed  upon  his  heart,  and  there  is 
no  rest  in  him. 

He  feeleth  in  his  own  breast  no  love  of  goodness; 
and  therefore  he  believeth  his  neighbor  is  like  unto 
himself. 

He  endeavors  to  depreciate  those  who  excel  him,  ana 
putteth  an  evil  interpretation  on  all  their  doings. 

He  lieth  on  the  watch  and  meditates  mischief;  but 
the  detestation  of  man  pursueth  him  ;  he  is  crushed  as 
a  spider  in  his  own  web. 

The  oak  that  now  spreadeth  its  branches  towards  the 
Heavens  was  once  but  an  acorn  in  the  bowels  of  the 
earth. 


ECONOMY    OF     HUMAN    LIFE.  271 

Endeavor  to  be  first  in  thy  calling,  whatever  it  may 
be,  neither  let  any  one  go  before  thee  in  well  doing; 
nevertheless  do  not  envy  the  merits  of  another,  but 
improve  thine  own  talents. 

Scorn  also  to  depress  thy  competitor  by  dishonest  or 
unworthy  methods ;  strive  to  raise  thyself  above  him 
only  by  excelling  him ;  so  shall  thy  contest  for  superi- 
ority be  crowned  with  honor  if  not  with  success. 

By  a  virtuous  emulation  the  spirit  of  man  is  exalted 
within  him ;  he  panteth  after  fame,  and  rejoiceth  as  a 
racer  to  run  his  course. 

He  riseth  like  the  palm  tree,  in  spite  of  oppression ; 
and,  as  an  eagle  in  the  firmament  of  heaven,  he  soareth 
aloft,  and  fixeth  his  eye  upon  the  glories  of  the  sun. 

• 

CHAPTER    V. 
PRUDENCE. 

HEAR  the  words  of  Prudence;  give  heed  unto  hei 
counsels,  and  store  them  in  thine  heart.  Her  maxims 
are  universal,  and  all  the  virtues  lean  upon  her ;  she  is 
the  guide  and  mistress  of  human  life. 

Put  a  bridle  on  thy  tongue ;  set  a  guard  before  tny 
lips,  lest  the  words  of  thine  own  mouth  destroy  thy  peace. 

Let  him  that  scotfeth  at  the  lame  take  care  that  he 
halt  not  himself;  whosoever  speaketh  of  another's  fail- 
ings with  pleasure,  shall  hear  of  his  own  with  bitterness 
of  heart. 

Of  much  speaking  cometh  repentance ;  but  in  silence 
is  safety. 


£7£  ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE. 

A  talkative  man  is  a  nuisance  to  society,  the  ear  is 
sick  of  his  babbling;  the  torrent  of  his  words  over- 
whelmeth  conversation. 

Boast  not  of  thyself,  for  it  shall  bring  contempt  upon 
thee ;  neither  deride  another,  for  it  is  dangerous. 

A  bitter  jest  is  the  poison  of  friendship ;  and  he  who 
restrains  not  his  tongue  shall  live  in  trouble. 

Furnish  thyself  with  the  accommodations  proper  to 
thy  condition ;  yet  spend  not  to  the  utmost  of  what  thou 
canst  afford,  that  the  providence  of  thy  youth  may  be  a 
comfort  to  thy  old  age. 

Avarice  is  the  parent  of  evil  deeds ;  but  frugality  is 
the  sure  guardian  of  our  virtues. 

Let  thine  own  business  engage  thy  attention;  leave 
the  care  of  the  state  to  the  governors  thereof. 

Let  not  thy  recreations  be  expensive,  lest  the  pain  in 
purchasing  them  exceed  the  pleasure  thou  hast  in  their 
enjoyment. 

Neither  let  prosperity  put  out  the  eyes  of  circumspec- 
tion, nor  abundance  cut  off  the  hands  of  frugality ;  he 
that  too  much  indulges  in  the  superfluities  of  life  shall 
Jive  to  lament  the  want  of  its  necessaries. 

Trust  no  man  before  thou  hast  tried  him ;  yet  mis- 
trust not  without  reason — it  is  uncharitable. 

But  when  thou  has  proved  a  man  to  be  honest,  lock 
mm  up  in  thine  heart  as  a  treasure ;  regard  him  as  a 
jewel  of  inestimable  price. 

Receive  not  the  favors  of  a  mercenary  man,  or  join 
in  friendship  with  the  wicked ;  they  shall  be  snares  unto 
thy  virtue,  and  bring  grief  to  thy  soul. 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE.  273 

Use  not  to-day  what  to-morrow  may  want;  neither 
leave  that  to  hazard  which  foresight  may  provide  for,  or 
care  prevent. 

From  the  experience  of  others  do  thou  learn  wisdom ; 
and  from  their  failings  correct  thine  own  faults. 

Yet  expect  not  even  from  prudence  infallible  success : 
for  the  day  knoweth  not  what  the  night  may  bring  forth. 

The  fool  is  not  always  unfortunate,  nor  the  wise  man 
always  successful :  yet  never  had  a  fool  a  thorough  en- 
joyment— never  was  a  wise  man  wholly  unhappy 

CHAPTER   VI. 

FORTITUDE. 

PERILS,  and  misfortunes,  and  want,  and  pain,  and 
injury,  are  the  lot  of  every  man  who  cometh  into  the 
world. 

It  behoveth  thee,  therefore,  early  to  fortify  thy  mind 
with  courage  and  patience ;  that  thou  mayest  support 
with  resolution  tiiy  allotted  portion  of  calamity. 

As  the  camel  beareth  labor,  and  heat,  and  hunger, 
and  thirst,  through  deserts  of  sand,  and  fainteth  not; 
so  a  man  of  fortitude  shall  sustain  his  virtue  through 
perils  and  distress. 

A  noble  spirit  disdaineth  the  malice  of  Fortune,  his 
greatness  of  soul  is  not  to  be  cast  down. 

His  happiness  dependeth  not  on  her  smiles,  and 
therefore  with  her  frowns  he  shall  not  be  dismayed. 

As  a  rock  in  the  sea,  he  standeth  firm,  and  the  dash- 
inof  of  the  waves  disturbeth  him  not. 

18 


274  ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE. 

He  raiseth  his  head  like  a  tower  on  a  hill,  and  the 
arrows  of  Fortune  drop  at  his  feet. 

In  the  instant  of  danger  the  courage  of  his  heart 
sustaineth  him,  and  the  steadiness  of  his  mind  beareth 
him  out. 

He  meeteth  the  evils  of  life  as  a  man  that  goeth  forth 
into  battle,  and  returneth  with  victory  in  his  hand. 

Under  the  pressure  of  misfortune,  his  calmness  alle- 
viates their  weight;  and  by  his  constancy  he  shall 
surmount  them. 

But  the  dastardly  spirit  of  a  timorous  man  betrayeth 
him  to  shame. 

By  shrinking  under  poverty  he  stoopeth  down  to 
meanness;  and  by  tamely  bearing  insults,  he  inviteth 
injuries. 

As  a  reed  is  shaken  with  the  breath  of  the  air,  so  the 
shadow  of  evil  maketh  him  tremble. 

In  the  hour  of  danger  he  is  embarrassed  and  con- 
founded ;  in  the  day  of  misfortune  he  sinketh,  and  des- 
pair overwhelmeth  his  soul. 

CHAPTER   VII. 

CONTENTMENT. 

FORGET  not,  0  man !  that  thy  station  on  earth  is 
appointed  by  the  wisdom  of  the  Eternal,  who  knoweth  thy 
heart,  seeth  the  vanity  of  all  thy  wishes,  and  who  often 
in  mercy  denieth  thy  requests.  t 

Yet  for  all  reasonable  desires,  for  all  honest  endeavors, 
his  benevolence  hath  established,  in  the  nature  of  things, 
a  probability  of  success. 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE.  275 

The  uneasiness  thou  feelest,  the  misfortunes  thou 
bewailest,  behold  the  root  from  whence  they  spring — 
even  thine  own  folly,  even  thine  own  pride,  thine  own 
distempered  fancy. 

Murmur  not,  therefore,  at  the  dispensations  of  God, 
but  correct  thine  own  heart ;  neither  say  within  thyself, 
'If  I  had  wealth,  power,  or  leisure,  I  should  be  happy;' 
for  know,  they  all  bring  to  their  several  possessors  their 
peculiar  inconveniences. 

The  poor  man  seeth  not  the  vexations  and  anxieties 
of  the  rich ;  he  feeleth  not  the  difficulties  and  perplexi- 
ties of  power ;  neither  knowfth  he  the  wearisomeness  of 
leisure  ;  and  therefore  it  is  that  he  repineth  at  his  own  lot. 

But  envy  not  the  appearance  of  happiness  in  any 
man ;  for  thou  knowest  no  his  secret  griefs. 

To  be  satisfied  with  a  little  is  the  greatest  wisdom ; 
and  he  who  increaseth  his  riches,  increaseth  his  cares ; 
but  a  contented  mind  is  a  hidden  treasure,  and  a  guard 
from  trouble. 

Yet  if  thou  sufferest  not  the  blandishments  of  thy 
fortune  to  rob  thee  of  justice,  or  temperance,  or  charity, 
or  modesty,  even  riches  themselves  shall  not  make  thee 
unhappy. 

But  hence  shalt  thou  learn  that  the  cup  of  felicity, 
pure  and  unmixed,  is  by  no  means  a  draught  for  a 
mortal  man. 

Virtue  is  the  race  which  God  nath  set  him  to  run, 
happiness  the  goal;  which  none  can  arrive  at  till  he 
hath  finished  his  course,  and  received  his  crown  in  the 
mansions  of  eternity, 


276  ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE. 

CHAPTER   VIII. 

TEMPERANCE. 

THE  nearest  approach  thou  canst  make  to  happiness 
on  this  side  the  grave  is  to  enjoy  from  Heaven  health, 
wisdom,  and  peace  of  mind. 

These  blessings,  if  thou  possessest  and  would  preserve 
to  old  age,  avoid  the  allurements  of  Voluptuousness, 
and  fly  from  her  temptations. 

When  she  spreadeth  her  delicacies  on  the  board, 
when  her  wine  sparkleth  in  the  cup,  when  she  smileth 
upon  thee,  and  persuadeth  thee  to  be  joyful  and  happy; 
then  is  the  hour  of  danger,  then  let  reason  stand  firmly 
on  her  guard. 

For  if  thou  hearkenest  unto  the  words  of  her  adver- 
sary, thou  art  deceived  and  betrayed. 

The  joy  which  she  promises  changeth  to  madness ; 
and  her  enjoyments  lead  on  to  disease  and  death. 

Look  round  her  board,  cast  thine  eyes  upon  her 
guests,  and  observe  those  who  have  been  allured  by 
her  smiles,  who  have  listened  to  her  temptations. 

Are  they  not  meagre  ?  are  they  not  sickly  ?  are  they 
not  spiritless  ? 

Their  short  hours  of  jollity  and  riot  are  followed  by 
tedious  days  of  pain  and  dejection ;  she  hath  debauch- 
ed and  palled  their  appetites,  that  they  have  now  no 
relish  for  her  nicest  dainties.  Her  votaries  are  become 
victims ;  the  just  and  natural  consequence  which  God 
hath  ordained,  in  the  constitution  of  things,  for  the 
punishment  of  those  who  abuse  his  gifts. 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE.  277 

But  who  is*  she  that,  with  graceful  steps,  and  with  a 
lively  air,  trips  over  yonder  plain  ? 

The  rose  blusheth  on  her  cheek,  the  sweetness  of  the 
morning  breatheth  from  her  lips ;  joy,  tempered  with 
innocence  and  modesty,  sparkleth  from  her  eyes  and, 
from  the  cheerfulness  of  her  heart  she  singeth  as  she 
walks. 

Her  name  is  Health.  She  is  the  daughter  of  Exer- 
cise and  Temperance ;  their  sons  inhabit  the  mountains 
that  stretch  over  the  northern  regions  of  San  Ton  Hac. 

They  are  brave,  active,  and  lively,  and  partake  of  all 
the  beauties  and  vitues  of  their  sister. 

Vigor  stringeth  their  nerves ;  strength  dwelleth  in 
the  bones ;  and  labor  is  their  delight  all  the  day  long. 

The  employments  of  their  father  excite  their  appe- 
tites, and  the  repasts  of  their  mother  refresh  them. 

To  combat  the  passions  is  their  delight ;  to  conquer 
evil  habits,  their  glory. 

Their  pleasures  are  moderate,  and  therefore  they 
endure ;  their  repose  is  short,  but  sound  and  undis- 
terbed. 

Their  blood  is  pure,  their  minds  are  serene ;  and  the 
physician  findeth  not  the  way  to  their  habitations. 

But  safety  dwelleth  not  with  the  sons  of  men,  neither 
is  security  found  within  their  gates. 

Behold  them  exposed  to  new  dangers  from  without, 
while  a  traitor  within  lurketh  to  betray  them. 

Their  health,  their  strength,  their  beauty,  and  ac- 
tivity have  raised  desire  in  the  bosom  of  lascivious 


278  ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE. 

She  standeth  in  her  bower,  she  courtetK  their  regard, 
she  spreadeth  her  temptations. 

Her  limbs  are  soft,  her  air  is  delicate,  her  attire  is 
loose.  Wantonness  speaketh  in  her  eyes,  and  on  her 
bosom  sit  temptations ;  she  beckoneth  them  with  her 
;nger,  she  wooeth  them  with  her  looks :  and  by  the 
xnoothness  of  her  tongue  she  endeavoreth  to  deceive. 

Ah  !  fly  from  her  allurements,  stop  thine  ears  to  her 
enchanting  words !  if  thou  meetest  the  languishing 
of  her  eyes,  if  thou  hearest  the  softness  of  her  voice, 
if  she  casteth  her  arms  about  thee,  she  bindeth  thee  in 
her  chains  forever. 

Shame  followeth,  and  disease,  and  want,  and  care, 
and  repentance. 

Enfeebled  by  dalliance,  with  luxury  pampered,  and 
softened  by  sloth,  strength  shall  forsake  thy  limbs,  and 
health  thy  constitution ;  thy  days  shall  be  few,  and  those 
inglorious ;  thy  griefs  shall  be  many,  yet  meet  with  no 
compassion. 


THE    PASSIONS. 

CHAPTER    I. 
HOPE    AND     FEAR. 


THE  promises  of  Hope  are  sweeter  than  roses  in  the 
'Hid,  and  far  more  flattering  to  expectation :  but  the 
.hreatenings  of  Fear  are  a  terror  to  the  heart. 

Nevertheless,  let  not  hope  allure,  nor  fear  deter  tLec 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN     LIFE.  €79 

from  doing  that  which  is  right :  so  shalt  thou  be  pre- 
pared to  meet  all  events  with  an  equal  mind. 

The  terrors  of  death  are  no  terrors  to  the  good: 
restrain  thy  hand  from  evil,  and  thy  soul  shall  have 
nothing  to  fear. 

In  all  thy  undertakings,  let  a  reasonable  assurance 
animate  thy  endeavors:  if  thou  despairest  of  success, 
thou  shalt  not  succeed. 

Terrify  not  thy  soul  with  vain  fears,  neither  let  thy 
heart  sink  within  thee  from  the  phantoms  of  imagination. 

From  fear  proceedeth  misfortune ;  but  he  that  hopeth 
helpeth  himself. 

As  the  ostrich,  when  pursued,  hideth  his  head,  but 
forgetteth  his  body ;  so  the  fears  of  a  coward  expose 
him  to  danger. 

If  thou  believest  a  thing  impossible,  thy  despondency 
shall  make  it  so;  but  he  that  persevereth  shall  over- 
come all  difficulties. 

A  vain  hope  flattereth  the  heart  of  a  fool;  but  he 
that  is  wise  pursueth  it  not. 

In  all  thy  desires  let  reason  go  before  thee;  and 
fix  not  thy  hopes  beyond  the  bounds  of  probability ;  so 
shall  success  attend  thy  undertakings,  and  thy  heart 
shall  not  be  vexed  with  disappointment. 

CHAPTER    II. 

JOY      AND       GRIEF. 

LET  not  thy  mirth  be  so  extravagant  as  to  intoxicate 
thy  mind ;  nor  thy  sorrow  so  heavy  as  to  depress  thy 


280  KOONOMY    OF     HUMAN    LIFE. 

heart.  This  world  affordeth  no  good  so  transporting, 
nor  inflicteth  any  evil  so  severe,  as  should  raise  thee  far 
above,  or  sink  thee  much  beneath  the  balance  of  mod- 
eration. 

Lo !  yonder  standeth  the  house  Joy !  It  is  painted 
on  the  outside,  and  looketh  gay ;  thou  mayest  know  it 
by  the  noise  of  mirth  and  exultation  that  issueth  from  it. 
The  mistress  standeth  at  the  door,  and  calleth  aloud 
to  all  that  pass  by ;  she  singeth,  and  shouteth,  and 
laugheth  without  ceasing. 

She  inviteth  them  to  taste  the  pleasures  of  life,  which, 
she  telleth  them,  are  no  where  to  be  found  but  beneath 
her  roof. 

But  enter  not  thou  into  her  gate ;  neither  associate 
thyself  with  those  that  frequent  her  house. 

They  call  themselves  the  sons  of  joy — they  laugh  and 
seem  delighted ;  but  madnes  and  folly  are  in  all  their 
doings. 

They  are  linked  with  Mischief  hand  in  hand,  and  their 
steps  lead  down  to  evil ;  danger  beset  them  round  about, 
and  the  pit  of  destruction  yawneth  beneath  their  feet. 

Look  now  on  the  other  side,  and  behold  in  that  vale 
overshadowed  with  trees,  and  hid  from  the  sight  of 
men,  the  habitation  of  Sorrow. 

Her  bosom  heaveth  with  sighs,  her  mouth  is  filled 
with  lamentation :  she  deligtheth  to  dwell  on  the  subject 
of  human  misery. 

She  looketh  on  the  common  accidents  of  life,  and 
weepeth  ;  the  weakness  and  wickedness  of  man  are  the 
theme  of  her  lips. 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE.  281 

All  nature  to  her  teemeth  with  evil ;  every  object  she 
seeth  is  tinged  with  the  gloom  of  her  own  mind ;  and 
the  voice  of  complaint  saddeneth  her  dwellings  by  day 
and  night. 

Come  not  near  to  her  cell — her  breath  is  contagious  ; 
she  will  blast  the  fruits,  and  wither  the  flowers  that 
adorn  and  sweeten  the  garden  of  life. 

In  avoiding  the  house  of  Joy,  let  not  thy  feet  betray 
thee  to  the  borders  of  this  dismal  mansion ;  but  pursue 
with  care  the  middle  path,  which  shall  lead  thee,  by  a 
gentle  ascent,  to  the  bower  of  Contentment. 

With  her  dwelleth  Peace — with  her  dwell  Safety  and 
Tranquillity.  She  is  cheerful,  but  not  gay ;  she  is 
serious,  but  not  grave ;  she  vieweth  the  joys  and  sor- 
rows of  life  with  steadiness  and  serenity. 

From  hence,  as  from  an  eminence,  shalt  thoa  behold 

';e  folly  and  the  misery  of  those  who,  either  led  by  the 

aiety  of  their  hearts,   take  up  their  abode  with  the 

companions  of  Jolity  and  riotous  Mirth,  or  infected  by 

gloominess    and  melancholy,  spend  all   their  days  in 

complaining  of  the  woes  and  calamities  of  human  life. 

Thox'  shalt  view  them  both  with  pity :  and  the  error 
of  their  wavs»  shall  keep  thy  feet  from  straying. 

CHAPTER   III 

ANGER. 

As  the  whirlwind  in  its  fury  teareth  up  trees  and 
deformeth  the  face  of  Nature,  or  as  an  earthquake  in 
its  convulsions  overturneth  cities;  so  the  rage  of  an 


282  ECONOMT    OF     HUMAN    LIFB. 

angry  man  throweth  mischief  around  him ;  danger  and 
destruction  wait  on  his  hand. 

But  consider,  and  forget  not  thine  own  weakness ;  so 
shalt  thou  pardon  the  failings  of  others. 

Indulge  not  thyself  in  the  passion  of  anger:  it  is 
whetting  a  sword  to  wound  thy  own  breast,  or  murder 
thy  friend. 

If  thou  bearest  slight  provocations  with  patience,  it 
shall  be  imputed  unto  thee  for  wisdom ;  and  if  thou 
wipest  them  from  thy  remembrance,  thy  heart  shall  feel 
rest — thy  mind  shall  not  reproach  thee. 

Seest  thou  not  that  the  angry  man  loseth  his  under- 
standing? whilst  thou  art  yet  in  thy  senses,  let  the 
madness  of  another  be  a  lesson  to  thyself. 

Do  nothing  in  thy  passion :  why  wilt  thou  put  to  sea 
in  the  violence  of  a  storm  ? 

If  it  be  difficult  to  rule  thine  anger,  it  is  wise  to 
prevent  it ;  avoid  therefore  all  occasions  of  falling  into 
wrath,  or  guard  thyself  against  them  whenever  they 
occur. 

A  fool  is  provoked  with  insolent  speeches ;  but  a  wise 
man  laugheth  them  to  scorn. 

Harbor  not  revenge  in  thy  breast ;  it  will  torment  thy 
neart,  and  disorder  its  best  inclinations. 

Be  always  more  ready  to  forgive  than  to  return  an 
injury :  he  that  watcheth  for  an  opportunity  of  revenge 
Lies  in  wait  against  himself,  and  d-tiweth  down  mis- 
chief on  his  own  head. 

A  mild  answer  to  an  angry  man,  like  water  cast  on 
the  fire,  abateth  his  heat ;  and  from  an  enemy  he  shall 
become  thv  friend. 


ECONOMY    OF     HUMAN    LIFE.  283 

Consider  how  few  things  are  worthy  of  anger,  and 
thou  wilt  wonder  that  any  but  fools  should  be  wroth. 

In  folly  or  weakness  it  always  beginneth  ;  but  re- 
member, and  be  well  assured,  it  seldom  concludeth 
without  repentance. 

On  the  heels  of  Folly  treadeth  Shame ;  at  the  back 
of  Anger  standeth  Remorse. 

CHAPTER   IV. 
PITY. 

As  blossoms  and  flowers  are  strewed  upon  the  earth 
by  the  hand  of  Spring,  as  the  kindness  of  Summer 
produceth  in  perfection  the  bounties  of  Harvest,  so 
the  smiles  of  Pity  shed  blessings  on  the  children  of 
Misfortune. 

He  who  pitieth  another  recommendeth  himself;  but 
he  who  is  without  compassion  deserveth  it  not. 

The  butcher  relenteth  not  at  the  bleating  of  the 
lamb ;  neither  is  the  heart  of  the  cruel  moved  with 
distress. 

But  the  tears  of  the  compassionate  are  sweeter  than 
dewdrops  falling  from  roses  on  the  bosom  of  the  earth. 

Shut  not  thine  ear,  therefore,  against  the  cries  of  the 
poor,  neither  harden  thine  heart  against  the  calamities 
of  the  innocent. 

When  the  fatherless  call  upon  thee — when  the  wid- 
ow's heart  is  sunk,  and  she  imploreth  thy  assistance 
with  tears  of  sorrow — Oh  !  pity  her  affliction,  and  extend 
hand  to  those  who  have  none  to  help  them. 

When  thou  seest  the  naked  wanderer  of  the  -street 


284  ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE. 

shivering  with  cold,  and  destitute  of  habitation,  let 
bounty  open  thine  heart;  let  the  wings  of  charity 
shelter  him  from  death,  that  thine  own  soul  may  live. 

Whilst  the  poor  man  groaneth  on  the  bed  of  sickness, 
whilst  the  unfortunate  languish  in  the  horrors  of  a 
dungeon,  or  the  hoary  head  of  age  lifts  up  a  feeble  eye 
to  thee  for  pity — Oh  !  how  canst  thou  riot  in  superfluous 
enjoyments,  regardless  of  their  wants,  unfeeling  of  their 
woes  ! 

CHAPTER   V. 

DESIRE     AND      LOVE. 

BEWARE,  young  man,  beware  of  the  allurements  of 
Wantonness ;  and  let  not  the  harlot  tempt  thee  to  her 
delights. 

The  madness  of  desire  shall  defeat  its  own  pursuits  ; 
from  the  blindness  of  its  rage  thou  shalt  rush  upon 
destruction. 

Therefore  give  not  up  thy  heart  to  her  sweet  entice- 
ments ;  neither  suffer  thy  soul  to  be  enslaved  by  her 
enchanting  delusions. 

The  fountain  of  health,  which  must  supply  the  stream 
of  pleasure,  shall  quickly  be  dried  up,  and  every  spring 
of  joy  shall  be  exhausted. 

In  the  prime  of  thy  life,  old  age  shall  overtake  thee ; 
thy  sun  shall  decline  in  the  morning  of  thy  day. 

But  when  virtue  and  modesty  enlighten  her  charms, 
the  lustre  of  a  beautiful  woman  is  brighter  than  the 
stars  of  Heaven ;  and  the  influence  of  her  power  it  is 
in  vain  to  resist. 


ECONOMY    OF     HUMAN    LIFE.  285 

The  whiteness  of  her  bosom  transcendeth  the  lily; 
her  smile  is  more  delicious  than  a  garden  of  roses. 

The  innocence  of  her  eye  is  like  that  of  the  turtle ; 
simplicity  and  truth  dwell  in  her  heart. 

The  kisses  of  her  mouth  are  sweeter  than  honey; 
the  perfumes  of  Arabia  breathe  from  her  lips. 

Shut  not  thy  bosom  to  the  tenderness  of  Love ;  the 
purity  of  its  flame  shall  ennoble  thine  heart,  and  soften 
it  to  receive  the  fairest  impressions. 

WOMAN. 

GIVE  ear,  fair  daughter  of  Love,  to  the  instructions 
of  Prudence,  and  let  the  precepts  of  Truth  sink  deep 
in  thine  heart ;  so  shall  the  charms  of  thy  mind  add 
lustre  to  thy  form ;  and  thy  beauty,  like  the  rose  it  re- 
sembleth,  shall  retain  its  sweetness  when  its  bloom  is 
withered. 

In  the  spring  of  thy  youth,  in  the  moning  of  thy 
days,  when  the  eyes  of  men  gaze  on  thee  with  deliglit — 
Ah !  hear  with  caution  their  alluring  words ;  guard 
well  thy  heart,  nor  listen  to  th«;'ir  soft  seducements. 

Remember,  tho\\  art  made  man's  reasonable  compan- 
ion, not  the  slave  of  his  passion ;  the  end  of  thy  being 
is  to  assist  him  in  the  toils  of  life,  to  sooth  him  with  thy 
tenderness,  and  recompense  his  care  with  soft  endear- 
ments. 

Who  is  she  that  winneth  the  heart  of  man,  that  sub- 
dueth  him  to  love,  and  reigneth  in  his  bn  *st  ? 

Lo !  yonder  she  walketh  in  maiden  sweetness,  with 
innocence  in  her  mind,  and  modesty  on  her  cheek. 


Happy  is  the  Man  that  hath  made  her  his  Wife  ; 
Happy  the  Child  that  calleth  her  Mother. 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE.  287 

Her  hand  seeketh  employment ;  her  feet  delighteth 
not  in  wandering  abroad. 

She  is  clothed  with  neatness,  she  is  fed  with  tempe- 
rance ;  humility  and  meekness  are  as  a  crown  of  glory 
circling  her  head. 

On  her  tongue  dwelleth  music ;  the  sweetness  of 
honey  floweth  from  her  lips. 

Delicacy  is  in  all  her  words  ;  in  her  answers  are  mild- 
ness and  truth. 

Submission  and  obedience  are  the  lessons  of  her  life ; 
and  peace  and  happiness  are  her  reward. 

Before  her  steps  walketh  Prudence ;  and  Virtue  at- 
tendeth  at  her  right  hand. 

Her  eyes  speak  softness  and  love;  but  Discretion 
with  a  sceptre  sitteth  on  her  brow. 

The  tongue  of  the  licentious  is  dumb  in  her  presence ; 
the  awe  of  her  virtue  keepeth  him  silent. 

When  scandal  is  busy,  and  the  fame  of  her  neighbor 
is  tossed  from  tongue  to  tongue,  if  charity  and  good- 
nature open  not  her  mouth,  the  finger  of  silence  resteth 
on  her  lip. 

Her  breast  is  the  mansion  of  goodness ;  and  therefore 
she  suspecteth  no  evil  in  others. 

Happy  were  the  man  that  should  make  her  his  wife ; 
happy  the  child  that  shall  call  her  mother. 

She  presideth  in  the  house,  and  there  is  peace ;  she 
commandeth  with  judgment,  and  is  obeyed. 

She  ariseth  in  the  early  morning,  she  considereth  her  af- 
fairs, and  appointeth  to  every  one  their  proper  business. 

The  care  of  her  family  is  her  whole  delight ;  to  that 


288  ECONOMY    OF     HUMAN    LIFE. 

alone  she  applieth  her  study ;  and  elegance  with  fru- 
gality is  seen  in  her  mansion. 

The  prudence  of  her  management  is  an  honor  to  her 
husband  ;  and  he  heareth  her  praise  with  silent  delight. 

She  informeth  the  minds  of  her  children  with  wisdom ; 
she  fashioneth  their  manners  from  the  example  of  her 
own  goodness. 

The  word  of  her  mouth  is  the  law  of  their  youth  ; 
the  motion  of  her  eye  commandeth  their  obedience. 

She  speaketh,  and  her  servants  fly ;  she  appointeth, 
and  the  thins  is  done : 

For  the  law  of  love  is  in  their  hearts  ;  her  kindness 
addeth  wings  to  their  feet. 

In  prosperity  she  is  not  puffed  up  ;  in  adversity  she 
healeth  the  wounds  of  fortune  with  patience. 

The  troubles  of  her  husband  are  alleviated  by  her 
counsels,  and  sweetened  by  her  endearments ;  he  put- 
i  jth  his  heart  in  her  bosom,  and  receiveth  comfort. 

Happy  is  the  man  that  hath  made  her  his  wife ; 
happy  the  child  that  calleth  her  mother. 


CONSANGUINITY,  OR   NATURAL  RELATIONS. 


CHAPTER   I. 

HUSBAND. 


TAKE  unto  thyself  a  wife,  and  obey  the  ordinance  of 
God — take  unto  thvself  a  wife,  and  become  a  faithful 
member  of  society. 


ECONOMY    OF     HUMAN    LIFE.  289 

But  examine  with  care,  and  fix  not  suddenly ;  on  thy 
present  choice  depends  the  future  happiness  of  thee  and 
thy  posterity. 

If  much  of  her  time  is  destroyed  in  dress  and  adorn- 
ments, if  she  is  enarmoured  with  her  own  beauty,  and 
delighted  with  her  own  praise,  if  she  laugheth  much, 
and  talketh  aloud,  if  her  foot  abideth  not  in  her  father's 
house,  and  her  eyes  with  boldness  rove  on  the  faces  of 
men  ;  though  her  beauty  were  as  the  sun  in  the  firma- 
ment of  heaven,  turn  thine  eyes  from  her  charms,  turn 
thy  feet  from  her  paths,  and  suffer  not  thy  soul  to  be 
ensnared  by  the  allurements  of  thy  imagination. 

But  when  thou  findest  sensibility  of  heart  joined  with 
softness  of  manners,  and  an  accomplished  mind  with  a 
for  m  agreeable  to  thy  fancy,  take  her  home  to  thy  house  ; 
she  is  worthy  to  be  thy  friend,  thy  companion  in  life, 
the  wife  of  thy  bosom. 

Oh  !  cherish  her  as  a  blessing  sent  thee  from  Heaven  ! 
let  the  kindness  of  thy  behavior  endear  thee  to  her  heart. 

She  is  the  mistress  of  thy  house  ;  treat  her  therefore 
with  respect,  that  thy  servants  may  obey  her. 

Oppose  not  her  inclination  without  cause  ;  she  is  the 
partner  of  thy  cares — make  her  also  (he  companion  of 
thy  pleasures. 

Reprove  her  faults  with  gentleness ;  exact  not  her 
obedience  with  rigor. 

Trust  thy  secrets  in  her  breast ;  her  counsels  are  sin- 
cere— thou  shalt  not  be  decived. 

Be  faithful  to  her  bed,  for  she  is  the  mother  of  thy 
children. 

19 


290  ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE. 

When  pain  and  sickness  assault  her,  let  thy  tenderness 
sooth  her  affliction  ;  a  look  from  thee  of  pity  and  love 
shall  alleviate  her  grief,  or  mitigate  her  pain,  and  be  of 
more  avail  than  ten  physicians. 

Consider  the  delicacy  of  her  sex,  the  tenderness  of 
her  frame  ;  and  be  not  severe  to  her  weakness,  but  re- 
member thine  own  imperfection. 

CHAPTER    II. 

FATHER. 

CONSIDER,  thou  who  art  a  parent,  the  importanfe  of 
thy  trust :  the  being  thou  hast  produced,  it  is  thy  duty 
to  support. 

Upon  thee  also  it  dependeth,  whether  the  child  of  thy 
bosom  shall  be  a  blessing  or  a  curse  to  thyself — a  useful 
or  a  worthless  member  of  the  community. 

Prepare  him  early  with  instruction,  and  season  his 
mind  with  the  maxims  of  truth. 

"Watch  the  bent  of  his  inclination,  set  him  right  in  his 
youth,  and  let  no  evil  habit  gain  strength  with  his 
years. 

So  shall  he  rise  like  a  cedar  on  the  mountain,  his  head 
shall  be  seen  above  the  trees  of  the  forest. 

A  wicked  son  is  a  reproach  to  his  father  ;  but  he  that 
doeth  right  is  an  honor  to  his  gray  hairs. 

The  soil  is  thine  own,  let  it  not  want  cultivation ;  the 
seed  which  thou  sowest,  that  also  shalt  thou  reap. 

Teach  him  obedience,  and  he  shall  bless  thee — teach 
him  modesty,  and  he  shall  not  be  ashamed. 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE.  291 

Teach  him  gratitude,  and  he  shall  receive  benefits — - 
teach  him  charity,  and  he  shall  gain  love. 

Teach  him  temperance,  and  he  shall  have  health — 
teach  him  prudence,  and  fortune  shall  attend  him. 

Teach  him  diligence,  and  his  wealth  shall  increase — 
teach  him  benevolence,  and  his  mind  shall  be  exalted. 

Teach  him  science,  and  his  life  shall  be  useful — teach 
him  religion,  and  his  death  shall  be  happy. 

Teach  him  justice,  and  he  shall  be  honored  by  the 
world — teach  him  sincerity,  and  his  own  heart  shall  not 
reproach  him. 

CHAPTER   III. 

CHILDREN. 

FROM  the  creatures  of  God  let  man  learn  wisdom,  and 
apply  to  himself  the  instruction  they  give. 

Go  to  the  desert,  my  son — observe  the  young  stork  of 
the  wilderness — let  him  speak  to  thy  heart.  He  beareth 
en  his  wings  his  aged  sire,  he  lodgeth  him  in  safety,  and 
supplieth  him  with  food. 

The  piety  of  a  child  is  sweeter  than  the  incense  of 
Persia  offered  to  the  sun  ;  yea,  more  delicious  than 
odors  wafted  from  a  field  of  Arabian  spices  by  the 
western  gales. 

Be  grateful  then  to  thy  father,  for  he  gave  thee  life ; 
and  to  thy  mother,  for  she  sustained  thee. 

Hear  the  words  of  his  mouth,  for  they  are  spoken  for 
thy  good ;  give  ear  to  his  admonition,  for  it  proceedeth 
from  love. 

He  hath  watched  for  thy  welfare,  he  hath  toiled  for 


292  ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE. 


thy  ease  ;  do  honor  therefore  to  his  age,  and  let  not  his 
gray  hairs  be  treated  with  irreverence. 

Think  on  thy  helpless  infancy,  and  the  forwardness 
of  thy  youth,  and  indulge  the  infirmities  of  thy  aged 
parents ;  assist  and  support  them  in  the  decline  of  life. 

So  shall  their  hoary  heads  go  down  to  the  grave  in 
peace  ;  and  thine  own  children,  in  reverence  of  thy  ex- 
ample, shall  repay  thy  piety  with  filial  love. 

CHAPTER    IV. 

BROTHERS. 

YE  are  the  children  of  one  father,  provided  for  by  his 
care,  and  the  breast  of  one  mother  hath  given  you  suck. 

Let  the  bonds  of  affection,  therefore,  unite  thee  with 
thy  brothers,  that  peace  and  happiness  my  dwell  in  thy 
father's  house. 

And,  when  ye  separate  in  the  world,  remember  the 
relation  that  bindeth  you  to  love  and  unity  ;  prefer  not 
a  stranger  before  thine  own  blood. 

If  thy  brother  is  in  adversity,  assist  him ;  if  thy  sis- 
ter is  in  trouble,  forsake  her  not. 

So  shall  the  fortunes  of  thy  father  contribute  to  the 
support  of  his  whole  race,  and  his  care  be  continued  to 
you  all  in  your  love  to  each  other. 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE.  293 

PROVIDENCE,  OR  THE  ACCIDENTAL  DIF- 
FERENCES OF  MEN. 

CHAPTER   I. 

WISE     AND     IGNORANT. 

THE  gifts  of  the  understanding  are  the  treasures  of 
God;  and  he  appointeth  to  every  one  his  portion,  in 
what  measure  seemeth  good  unto  himself. 

Hath  he  endowed  thee  with  wisdom  ?  hath  he  enligh- 
tened thy  mind  with  the  knowledge  of  truth  ?  commu- 
nicate it  to  the  ignorant  for  their  instruction ;  communi- 
cate it  to  the  wise  for  thine  own  improvement. 

True  wisdom  is  less  presuming  than  folly  ;  the  wise 
man  doubteth  often,  and  changeth  his  mind  ;  the  fool  is 
obstinate,  and  doubteth  not ;  he  knoweth  all  things,  but 
his  own  ignorance. 

The  pride  of  emptiness  is  an  abomination,  and  to  talk 
much  is  the  foolishness  of  folly ;  nevertheless  it  is  the 
part  of  wisdom  to  bear  the  impertinence  of  fools,  to 
hear  their  absurdities  with  patience,  and  pity  their 
weakness. 

Yet  be  not  puffed  up  in  thine  own  conceit,  neither 
boast  of  superior  understanding ;  the  clearest  human 
knowledge  is  but  blindness  and  folly. 

The  wise  man  feeleth  his  imperfections,  and  is  hum- 
bled ;  he  laboreth  in  vain  for  his  own  approbation.  But 
the  fool  peepeth  in  the  shallow  stream  of  his  own  mind, 
and  is  pleased  with  the  pebbles  which  he  sees  at  the 
bottom ;  he  bringeth  them  up,  and  sheweth  them  as  perils, 
and  with  the  applause  of  his  brethren  deligtheth  himself. 


294  TO    THE   EARL   OF    CHESTERFIELD. 

He  boasteth  of  attainments  in  things  of  no  worth  ;  but 
where  it  is  a  shame  to  be  ignorant,  there  he  hath  no 
understanding. 

Even  in  the  paths  of  wisdom  he  toileth  after  folly ; 
and  shame  and  disappointment  are  the  reward  of  his 
labor. 

But  the  wise  man  cultivateth  his  mind  with  knowl- 
edge ;  the  improvement  of  arts  is  his  delight ;  and  their 
utility  to  the  public  crown  him  with  honor. 

Nevertheless,  the  attainment  of  virtue  he  accounteth 
as  the  highest  learning ;  and  the  science  of  happiness 
is  the  study  of  his  life. 

CHATER   II. 

POOK     AND      RICH. 

THE  man  to  whom  God  hath  given  riches,  and  a  mind 
to  employ  them  aright,  is  peculiarly  favored  and  highly 
distinguished. 

He  looketh  on  his  wealth  with  pleasure,  because  it 
affordeth  him  the  means  to  do  good. 

He  protecteth  the  poor  that  are  injured  ;  he  suffereth 
not  the  mighty  to  oppress  the  weak. 

He  seeketh  out  objects  of  compassion  ;  he  inquireth 
into  their  wants  ;  he  relieveth  them  with  judgment,  and 
without  ostentation. 

He  assisteth  and  rewardeth  merit ;  he  encourageth 
ingenuity,  and  liberally  promoteth  every  useful  design. 

He  carrieth  on  great  works  ;  his  country  is  enriched, 
and  the  laborer  is  employed  ;  he  formeth  new  schemes, 
and  the  arts  receive  improvement. 


ECONOMY    OF     HUMAN    LIFE.  295 

He  considereth  the  superfluities  of  his  table  as  belong- 
ing to  the  poor,  and  he  defraudeth  them  not. 

The  benevolence  of  his  mind  is  not  checked  by  his 
fortune.  He  rejoiceth  therefore  in  riches,  and  his  joy 
is  blameless. 

But  woe  unto  him  that  heapeth  up  wealth  in  abun- 
dance, and  rejoiceth  alone  in  the  possession  thereof. 

That  grindeth  the  face  of  the  poor,  and  considereth 
not  the  sweat  of  their  brows. 

He  thriveth  on  oppression  without  feeling  ;  the  ruin 
of  his  brother  disturbeth  him  not. 

The  tears  of  the  orphan  he  drinketh  as  milk ;  the 
cries  of  the  widow  are  music  to  his  ear. 

His  heart  is  hardened  with  the  love  of  wealth ;  no 
grief  or  distress  can  make  impression  upon  it. 

But  the  curse  of  iniquity  pursueth  him  ;  he  liveth  in 
continual  fear.  The  anxiety  of  his  mind,  and  the  rapa- 
cious desires  of  his  own  soul,  take  vengeance  upon  him, 
for  the  calamities  he  hath  brought  upon  others. 

0  !  what  are  the  miseries  of  poverty,  in  comparison 
with  the  gnawings  of  this  man's  heart ! 

Let  the  poor  man  comfort  himself,  yea,  rejoice,  for  he 
hath  many  reasons. 

He  sitteth  down  to  his  morsel  in  peace  ;  his  table  is 
not  crowded  with  flatterers  and  devourers. 

He  is  not  embarrassed  with  dependants,  nor  teased 
with  the  clamors  of  solicitation. 

Debarred  from  the  dainties  of  the  rich,  he  escapeth 
also  their  diseases. 

The  bread  that  he  eateth,  is  it  not  sweet  to  his  taste  ? 


296  ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE. 


the  water  he  drinketh,  is  it  not  pleasant  to  his  thirst  ? 
yea,  far  more  delicious  than  the  richest  draughts  of  the 
luxurious. 

His  labor  preserveth  his  health,  and  procure th  him 
repose  to  which  the  downy  bed  of  sloth  is  a  stranger. 

He  limiteth  his  desires  with  humility ;  and  the  calm 
of  contentment  is  sweeter  to  his  soul  than  the  acquaint- 
ments  of  wealth  and  grandeur. 

Let  not  the  rich  therefore  presume  on  his  riches,  nor 
the  poor  despond  in  his  poverty ;  for  the  Providence  of 
God  dispenseth  happiness  to  them  both ;  and  the  distri- 
bution thereof  is  more  equally  made  than  the  fool  can 
believe. 

CHAPTER   III. 

MASTERS     AND      SERVANTS. 

REPINE  not,  0  man  ?  that  thou  servest  another ;  it  is 
the  appointment  of  God,  and  hath  many  advantages ;  it 
removeth  thee  from  the  cares  and  solicitudes  of  life. 

The  honor  of  a  servant  is  his  fidelity;  his  highest 
virtues  are  submission  and  obedience. 

Be  patient  therefore  under  the  reproofs  of  thy  master, 
and  when  he  rebuketh  thee,  answer  not  again;  the 
silence  of  thy  resignation  shall  not  be  forgotten. 

Be  studious  of  his  interest ;  be  dilligent  in  his  affairs, 
and  faithful  to  the  trust  which  he  repeseth  in  thee. 

Thy  time  and  thy  labor  belong  unto  him ;  defraud 
him  not  thereof,  for  he  payeth  thee  for  them. 

And  thou  who  art  a  master,  be  just  to  thy  servant, 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE.  297 

if  thou  expectest  fidelity;  be  reasonable  in  thy  com- 
mands, if  thou  expectest  obedience. 

The  spirit  of  man  is  in  him;  severity  and  rigor, 
•which  create  fear,  cannot  command  his  love. 

Mix  kindness  with  reproof,  and  reason  with  authority; 
so  shall  thy  admonitions  take  place  in  his  heart,  and  his 
duty  shall  become  his  pleasure. 

He  shall  serve  thee  faithfully  from  gratitude:  he 
shall  obey  thee  cheerfull  from  love  ;  and  fail  not  thou  in 
return  to  give  diligence  and  fidelity  their  just  reward. 

CHAPTER   IV. 

MAGISTRATES     AND     SUBJECTS. 

OH  thou,  the  favorites  of  heaven !  whom  the  sons  of 
men,  thy  equals,  have  raised  to  sovereign  power,  and 
set  as  rulers  over  themselves,  consider  the  ends  and 
importance  of  your  trust,  far  more  than  the  dignity  and 
height  of  your  station. 

Thou  art  clothed  in  purple;  thou  art  seated  on  a 
throne ;  the  crown  of  majesty  investeth  thy  temples ; 
the  sceptre  of  power  is  placed  in  thy  hand ;  but  not  for 
thyself  were  these  ensigns  given ;  not  meant  for  thine 
own  good,  but  the  good  of  thy  kingdom. 

The  glory  of  a  king  is  the  welfare  of  his  people ;  his 
power  and  dominion  rest  on  the  hearts  of  his  subjects. 

The  mind  of  a  great  prince  is  exalted  with  the 
grandeur  of  his  situation :  he  revolveth  high  things, 
and  searcheth  for  business  worthy  of  his  power. 

He  calleth  together  the  wise  men  of  his  kingdom ; 


298  ECONOMY     OF     HUMAN     LIFE. 

he  consulteth  amongst  them  with  freedom,  and  heareth 
the  opinions  of  them  all. 

He  looketh  among  his  people  with  discernment ;  he 
discovereth  the  abilities  of  men,  and  employeth  them 
according  to  their  merits. 

His  magistrates  are  just,  his  ministers  are  wise,  and 
the  favorite  of  his  bosom  deceiveth  him  not. 

He  smileth  on  the  arts  and  they  flourish  ;  the  sciences 
improve  beneath  the  culture  of  his  hand. 

With  the  learned  and  ingenious  he  delighteth  him- 
self; he  kindleth  in  their  breasts  emulation,  and  the 
glory  of  his  kingdom  is  exalted  by  their  labors. 

The  spirit  of  the  merchant  who  extendeth  his  com- 
merce, the  skill  of  the  farmer  who  enricheth  his  lands, 
the  ingenuity  of  the  artist,  the  improvements  of  the 
scholar,  all  these  he  honoreth  with  his  favor,  or  reward- 
eth  with  his  bounty. 

He  planteth  new  colonies ;  he  buildeth  strong  ships  ; 
he  openeth  rivers  for  convenience ;  he  formeth  harbors 
for  safety ;  his  people  abound  in  riches ;  and  the  strength 
of  his  kingdom  increaseth. 

He  frameth  his  statutes  with  equity  and  wisdom  ;  his 
subjects  enjoy  the  fruits  of  their  labor  in  security  ;  and 
their  happiness  consists  in  their  observance  of  the  law. 

He  foundeth  his  judgments  on  the  principles  of 
mercy ;  but  in  the  puishment  of  offenders  he  is  strict 
and  impartial. 

His  ears  are  open  to  the  complaints  of  his  subjects 
he  restraineth  the  hand  of  the  oppressors,  and  delivereth 
them  from  their  tyranny. 


ECONOMY    OF     HUMAN    LIFE.  299 

His  people  therefore  look  up  to  him  as  a  father  with 
reverence  and  love ;  they  consider  him  as  the  guardian 
of  all  they  enjoy. 

Their  affection  to  him  begetteth  in  his  breast  a  love 
of  the  public ;  the  security  of  their  happiness  is  the 
object  of  his  care. 

No  murmurs  against  him  arise  in  their  hearts ;  the 
machinations  of  his  enemies  endanger  not  his  state. 

His  subjects  are  faithful  and  firm  in  his  cause,  they 
stand  his  defence  as  a  wall  of  brass.  The  army  of  his 
enemy  flieth  before  them,  as  chaff  before  the  wind. 

Security  and  peace  bless  the  dwellings  of  his  people, 
and  glory  and  strength  encircle  his  throne  forever. 


THE   SOCIAL   DUTIES. 

CHAPTER    I. 

BENEVOLENCE. 

WHEN  thou  considerest  thy  wants,  when  thou  behold- 
est  thy  imperfections,  acknowledge  his  goodness,  O 
man !  who  honored  thee  with  reason,  endowed  thee  with 
speech,  and  placed  thee  in  society,  to  receive  and  confer 
reciprocal  helps  and  mutual  obligations. 

Thy  food,  thy  clothing,  thy  convenience  of  habita- 
tion ;  thy  protection  from  the  injuries,  thy  enjoyment  of 
comforts  and  the  pleasures  of  life,  thou  owest  to  the 
assistance  of  others,  and  couldest  not  enjoy  but  in  the 
hands  of  society. 


300  ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN     LIFE. 

It  is  thy  duty,  therefore,  to  be  friendly  to  mankind,  as 
it  is  thy  interest  that  men  should  be  friendly  to  thee. 

As  the  rose  breatheth  sweetness  from  its  own  nature, 
so  the  heart  of  a  benevolent  man  produceth  good  works. 

He  enjoyeth  the  ease  and  tranquility  of  his  own 
breast;  and  rejoiceth  in  the  happiness  and  prosperity 
of  his  neighbor. 

He  openeth  not  his  ears  unto  slander :  the  faults  and 
the  failings  of  men  give  pain  to  his  heart. 

His  desire  is  to  do  good,  and  he  searcheth  out  the 
occasions  thereof;  in  removing  the  oppression  of  another 
he  relieveth  himself. 

From  the  largeness  of  his  mind,  he  comprehended! 
in  his  wishes  the  happiness  of  all  men ;  and  from  the 
generosity  of  his  heart  he  endeavoreth  to  promote  it. 

CHAPTER  II 

JUSTICE. 

THE  peace  of  society  dependeth  on  justice ;  the  hap- 
piness of  individuals  on  the  certain  enjoyment  of  all 
their  possessions. 

Keep  the  desires  of  thy  heart,  therefore,  within  the 
bounds  of  moderation;  let  the  hand  of  justice  lead 
them  aright. 

Cast  not  an  evil  eye  on  the  goods  of  thy  neighbor : 
let  whatever  is  his  property  be  sacred  from  thy  touch. 

Let  no  temptation  allure  thee,  nor  any  provocation 
excite  thee  to  lift  up  thy  hand  to  the  hazard  of  his  life. 

Defame  him  not  in  his  character :  bear  no  false  wit- 
ness against  him. 


ECONOMY     OF     HUMAN    LIFE.  30 1 


Corrupt  not  his  servant  to  cheat  or  forsake  him ;  and 
the  wife  of  his  bosom,  Oh,  tempt  not  to  sin. 

It  will  be  a  grief  to  his  heart,  which  thou  canst  not 
relieve  ;  an  injury  to  his  life,  which  no  reparation  can 
atone. 

In  thy  dealings  with  men  be  impartial  and  just ;  and 
do  unto  them  as  thou  wouldest  they  should  do  unto  thee. 

Be  faithful  to  thy  trust,  and  deceive  not  the  man  who 
relieth  upon  thee ;  be  assured  it  is  less  evil  in  the  sight 
of  God  to  steal  than  to  betray. 

Oppress  not  the  poor,  and  defraud  not  of  his  hire  the 
laboring  man. 

When  thou  sellest  for  gain,  hear  the  whispering  of 
conscience,  and  be  satisfied  with  moderation ;  nor  from 
the  ignorance  of  the  buyer  make  advantage  to  thyself. 

Pay  the  debts  which  thou  owest ;  for  he  who  gave 
thee  credit  relied  upon  thy  honor :  aud  to  withhold  from 
him  his  due  is  both  mean  and  unjust. 

Finally,  Oh  son  of  society !  examine  thy  heart ;  call 
remembrance  to  thy  aid ;  and  if  in  any  of  these  things 
thou  findest  thou  hast  transgressed,  take  sorrow  and 
shame  to  thyself,  and  make  speedy  reparation  to  the 
utmost  of  thy  power. 

CHAPTER   III 

OH  AKITT. 

HAPPY  is  the  man  who  hath  sown  in  his  breast  the 
seeds  of  benevolence ;  the  produce  thereof  shall  be 
charity  and  love. 


302  ECONOMY    OF     HUMAN    LIFE. 

Erom  the  fountain  of  his  heart  shall  rise  rivers  of 
goodness,  and  the  streams  shall  overflow  for  the  benefit 
of  mankind. 

He  assisteth  the  poor  in  their  trouble ;  he  rejoiceth  in 
furthering  the  prosperity  of  all  men. 

He  censureth  not  his  neighbor ;  believeth  not  the 
tales  of  envy  and  malevolence,  neither  repeateth  he  their 
slanders. 

He  forgiveth  the  injuries  of  men — he  wipeth  them 
from  his  remembrance ;  revenge  and  malice  have  no 
place  in  his  heart. 

For  evil  he  returneth  not  evil ;  he  hateth  not  even 
his  enemies ;  but  requiteth  their  injustice  "with  friendly 
admonition. 

The  griefs  and  anxieties  of  men  excite  his  compas- 
sion ;  he  endeavoreth  to  alleviate  the  weight  of  their 
misfortunes  ;  and  the  pleasure  of  success  rewardeth  his 
labor. 

He  calmeth  the  fury,  he  healeth  the  quarrels  of 
angry  men ;  and  preventeth  the  mischiefs  of  strife  and 
animosity. 

He  promoteth  in  his  neigborhood  peace  and  good 
will ;  and  his  name  is  repeated  with  praise  and  bene- 
dictions. 

CHAPTER    IV. 

GRATITUDE. 

As  the  branches  of  a  tree  return  their  sap  to  the  root 
from  whence  it  arose ;  as  a  river  poureth  his  streams  to 
the  sea,  from  whence  his  spring  was  supplied ;  so  the 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE.  303 

heart  of  a  grateful  man  delighteth  in  returning  a  bene- 
fit received. 

He  acknowledged  his  obligations  with  cheerfulness ; 
he  looketh  on  his  benefactor  with  love  and  esteem. 

And  if  to  return  it  be  not  in  his  power  he  nourisheth, 
the  memory  of  it  in  his  breast  with  kindness ;  he  for- 
getteth  it  not  all  the  days  of  his  life. 

The  hand  of  the  generous  man  is  like  the  clouds  of 
heaven  which  drop  upon  the  earth  fruits,  and  flowers ; 
the  heart  of  the  ungrateful  is  like  a  desert  of  sand, 
which  swalloweth  with  greediness  the  showers  that  fall, 
but  burieth  them  in  its  bosom,  and  produceth  nothing. 

Envy  not  thy  benefactor,  neither  strive  to  conceal  the 
benefit  he  hath  conferred ;  for  though  to  oblige  is  better 
than  to  be  obliged,  though  the  act  of  generosity  com- 
mandeth  admiration,  yet  the  humility  of  gratitude 
toucheth  the  heart,  and  is  amiable  in  the  sight  of  both 
God  and  man. 

But  receive  not  a  favor  from  the  hand  of  the  proud : 
to  the  selfish  and  avaricious  have  no  obligation ;  the 
vanity  of  pride  shall  expose  thee  to  shame ;  the  greedi- 
ness of  avarice  shall  never  be  satisfied. 

CHAPTER    V. 

SINCERITY. 

OH  !  thou  that  art  enamored  with  the  beauties  of 
Truth,  and  hast  fixed  thy  heart  on  the  simplicity  of  her 
charms,  hold  fast  thy  fidelity  unto  her,  and  forsake  her 
not:  the  constancy  of  thy  virtue  shall  crown  thee  with 
honor. 


304  ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE. 


The  tongue  of  the  sincere  is  rooted  in  his  heart; 
hypocrisy  and  deceit  have  no  place  in  his  words. 

He  blusheth  at  falsehood,  and  is  confounded ;  but  in 
speaking  the  truth  he  hath  a  steady  eye. 

He  supporteth  as  a  man  the  dignity  of  his  character ; 
to  the  arts  of  hypocrisy  he  scorneth  (o  stoop. 

He  is  consistent  with  himself;  he  is  never  embar- 
rassed ;  he  hath  courage  in  truth,  but  to  lie  he  is 
afraid. 

He  is  far  above  the  meanness  of  dissimulation ;  the 
words  of  his  mouth  are  the  thoughts  of  his  heart. 

Yet  with  prudence  and  caution  he  openeth  his  lips ; 
he  studieth  what  is  right,  and  speaketh  with  discretion. 

He  adviseth  in  friendship,  he  reproveth  with  freedom, 
and  whatsoever  he  promiseth  shall  surely  be  performed. 

But  the  heart  of  the  hypocrite  is  hid  in  his  breast. 
He  masketh  his  words  in  the  semblance  of  truth,  while 
the  business  of  his  life  is  only  to  deceive. 

He  laugheth  in  sorrow,  he  weepeth  in  joy,  and  the 
words  of  his  mouth  have  no  interpretation. 

He  worketh  in  the  dark  as  a  mole,  and  fancieth  he  is 
safe ;  but  he  blundereth  into  light,  and  is  exposed  to 
full  view,  with  his  dirt  on  his  head. 

He  passeth  his  days  in  perpetual  constraint;  his 
tongue  and  his  heart  are  forever  at  variance. 

He  laboreth  for  the  character  of  a  righteous  man,  and 
huggeth  himself  in  the  thoughts  of  his  cunning. 

Oh !  fool,  fool !  the  pains  which  thou  takest  to  hide 
what  thou  art  are  more  than  would  make  thee  what  thou 
wouldest  seem ;  the  children  of  wisdom  shall  mock  at 


ECONOMY    OP    HUMAN    LIFE.  305 

thy  cunning  ;  and  when  thy  disguise  is  stripped  off,  the 
finger  of  Derision  shall  point  thee  to  scorn. 

RELIGION. 

THERE  is  but  one  God,  the  author,  the  creator,  the 
governor  of  the  world,  almighty,  eternal,  and  incom- 
prehensible. 

The  sun  is  not  God,  though  his  noblest  image.  He 
enlighteneth  the  world  with  his  brightness  ;  his  warmth 
giveth  life  to  the  products  of  the  earth  ;  admire  him 
as  the  creature,  the  instrument  of  God,  but  worship 
him  not. 

To  the  one  who  is  supreme,  most  wise,  and  beneficent, 
and  to  him  alone,  belong  worship,  adoration,  thanks- 
giving, and  praise. 

Who  hath  stretched  forth  the  heavens  with  his  hand  ; 
who  hath  described  with  his  finger  the  courses  of  the 
stars. 

Who  setteth  bounds  to  the  ocean,  which  it  cannot 
pass,  and  saith  unto  the  stormy  winds — Be  still ! 

Who  shaketh  the  earth,  and  the  nations  tremble ;  who 
darteth  his  lightnings,  and  the  wicked  are  dismayed. 

Who  calleth  forth  worlds  by  the  word  of  his  mouth  ; 
who  smiteth  with  his  arm,  and  they  sink  into  nothing. 

'  Oh,  reverence  the  majesty  of  the  Omnipotent ;  and 
tempt  not  his  anger,  lest  thou  be  destroyed !' 

The  Providence  of  God  is  over  all  his  works — he 
ruleth  and  directeth  with  infinite  wisdom. 

He  hath  instituted  laws  for  the  goverment  of  the 
20 


306  ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE. 

world  ;  he  hath  wonderfully  varied  them  in  all  beings  ; 
and  each,  by  his  nature,  conformeth  to  his  will. 

In  the  depth  of  his  mind  he  revolveth  all  knowledge  ; 
the  secrets  of  futurity  lie  open  before  him. 

The  thoughts  of  thy  heart  are  naked  to  his  view ;  he 
knoweth  thy  determinations  before  they  are  made. 

With  respect  to  his  prescience,  there  is  nothing  con- 
tingent ;  with  respect  to  his  providence,  there  is  nothing 
accidental. 

Wonderful  he  is  in  all  his  ways ;  his  counsels  are 
inscrutable ;  the  manner  of  his  knowledge  transcendeth 
thy  conception. 

'  Pay  therefore  to  his  wisdom  all  honor  and  venera- 
tion ;  and  bow  down  thyself  in  humble  and  submissive 
obedience  to  his  supreme  direction.' 

The  Lord  is  gracious  and  beneficent ;  he  hath  created 
the  world  in  mercy  and  love. 

His  goodness  is  conspicuous  in  all  his  works ;  he  is 
the  fountain  of  excellence,  the  centre  of  perfection. 

The  creatures  of  his  hand  declare  his  goodness,  and 
all  their  enjoyments  speak  his  praise  ;  he  clotheth  them 
with  beauty,  he  supporteth  them  with  food,  he  preserv- 
them  with  pleasure,  from  generation  to  generation. 

If  we  lift  up  our  eyes  to  the  heavens,  his  glory 
shineth  forth — if  we  cast  them  down  upon  the  earth,  it 
is  full  of  his  goodness  :  the  hills  and  the  valleys  rejoice 
and  sing — fields,  rivers,  and  woods  resound  his  praise. 

But  thee,  Oh  man !  he  hath  distinguished  with  pecu- 
liar favor,  and  exalted  by  thy  station  above  all  creatures. 

He  hath  endowed  thee  with  reason  to  maintain  thy 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE. 

dominion  ;  he  hath  fitted  thee  with  language  to  improve 
by  society ;  and  exalted  thy  mind  with  the  powers  of 
meditation,  to  contemplate  and  adore  his  inimitable  per- 
fections. 

And  in  the  laws  he  hath  ordained  as  the  rule  of  thy 
life,  so  kindly  hath  he  suited  thy  duty  to  thy  nature, 
that  obedience  to  his  precepts  is  happiness  to  thyself. 

'  Oh  praise  his  goodness  with  songs  of  thanksgiving, 
meditate  in  silence  on  the  wonders  of  his  love ! — let 
thy  heart  overflow  with  gratitude  and  acknowledg- 
ment— let  thelanguage  of  thy  lips  speak  praise  and 
adoration — let  the  actions  of  thy  life  shew  thy  love  to 
his  law.' 

The  Lord  is  just  and  righteous,  and  will  judge  the 
earth  with  equity  and  truth. 

Hath  he  established  his  laws  in  goodness  and  mercy, 
and  shall  he  not  punish  the  transgressor  thereof? 

Oh  think  not,  bold  man,  because  thy  punishment  is 
delayed,  that  the  arm  of  the  Lord  is  weakened ;  neither 
flatter  thyself  with  hopes  that  he  winketh  at  thy  doings. 

His  eye  pierceth  the  secrets  of  every  heart,  and  he 
remembereth  them  for  ever ;  he  respecteth  not  the  per- 
sons nor  the  stations  of  men. 

The  high  and  the  low,  the  rich  and  the  poor,  the  wise 
and  the  ignorant,  when  the  soul  hath  shaken  off  the 
cumbrous  shackles  of  this  mortal  life,  shall  equally  re- 
ceive, from  the  sentence  of  God,  a  just  and  everlasting 
retribution,  according  to  their  works. 

Then  shall  the  wicked  tremble  and  be  afraid  ;  but  the 
heart  of  the  righteous  shall  rejoice  in  his  judgments. 


308  ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE, 


'  Oh  fear  the  Lord,  therefore,  all  the  days  of  thy  life  ; 
and  walk  in  the  paths  which  he  hath  opened  before  thee. 
Let  Prudence  admonish  thee — let  Temperance  restrain — 
let  Justice  guide  thy  hand — Benevolence  warm  thy 
heart — and  gratitude  to  Heaven  inspire  thee  with  devo- 
tion.— These  shall  give  thee  happiness  in  thy  present 
state,  and  bring  thee  to  the  mansions  of  eternal  felicity 
in  the  paradise  of  God.' 

THIS     IS     THE     TRUE 

ECOONOMY   OF    HUMAN   LIFE. 


PART  II. 

• 

TO  THE  KARL  OF  CHESTERFIELD. 

Pekin,  January  10, 1749-50. 
My  Lord, 

NOT  a  month  after  I  had  enclosed  to  your  Lordship  the 
translation  I  had  attempted  of  the  Original  System  of  Mor- 
ality, so  famous  in  these  parts,  we  were  agreeably  surprised 
with  a  manuscript,  of  the  same  size,  whose  antiquity,  char- 
acters, and  other  internal  marks  determined  it  to  be  the  per- 
formance of  that  author,  which,  at  the  same  time  that  it  shewed 
us  something  was  wanting  to  what  he  had  before  esteemed 
a  complete  system,  very  happily  supplied  the  deficiency. 

I  could  not  rest,  after  the  first  dipping  into  it,  without 
undertaking  the  pleasing  task  of  a  translation ;  nor  when  I 
had  finished  it,  without  doing  myself  the  honor  of  transmitt- 
ing it  to  your  Lordship.  I  need  not  tell  your  Lordship  that 
the  energy  of  thought,  sublimity  of  style,  and  many  other  cir- 
cumstances, prove  it  to  come  from  the  divine  hand  that  planned 
the  other :  the  substance  of  it  carries  abundantly  more  proof 
of  it. 

If  I  did  not  flatter  myself  that  the  first  part  had  met  the 
honor  of  your  Lordship's  approbation,  I  should  not  be  so 
earnest  in  dispatching  this  after  it ;  but  while  I  know  the  value 
of  the  work,  and  know  your  Lordship's  distinguishing  genius, 
it  would  be  ridiculous  to  affect  a  doubt  about  it.  I  am, 
My  Lord, 

Yours,  <fcc. 

309 


THE 

ECONOMY    OF   HUMAN   LIFE. 

MAN  CONSIDERED  IN  TEE  GENERAL 

CHAPTER   I. 

OF    THE    HUMAN    FRAME    AND     STRUCTURE. 

WEAK  and  ignorant  as  thou  art,  Oh  man !  humble  as 
though  oughtest  to  be,  Oh  child  of  the  dust !  wouldest 
thou  raise  thy  thoughts  to  infienite  wisdom — wouldest 
thou  see  Omnipotence  displayed  before  thee,  contem- 
plate thine  own  frame ! 

Fearfully  and  wonderfully  art  thou  made :  Praise, 
therefore,  thy  Creator  with  awe,  and  rejoice  before  him 
with  reverence. 

Wherefore  of  all  creatures  art  thou  only  erect,  but 
that  thou  shouldest  behold  his  works  !  wherefore  art 
thou  to  behold,  but  that  thou  mayest  admire  them  ! 
wherefore  to  admire,  but  that  thou  mayest  adore  their 
and  thy  Creator ! 

Wherefore  is  consciousness  reposed  in  thee  alone,  and 
whence  is  it  derived  to  thee  ? 

"Tis  not  in  flesh  to  think — 'tis  not  in  bones  to  reason. 
The  lion  knoweth  not  that  worms  shall  eat  him ;  the  ox 
perceiveth  not  that  he  is  fed  for  slaughter. 

Something  is  added  to  thee  unlike  to  what  thou  seest ; 
something  informs  thy  clay,  higher  than  all  that  is  the 
object  of  thy  senses.     Behold,  what  is  it? 
310 


ECONOMY    OP    HUMAN    LIFE.  311 

The  body  remaineth  perfect  after  it  is  fled  ;  therefore 
it  is  no  part  of  the  body.  It  is  immaterial — therefore 
accountable  for  its  actions. 

Knoweth  the  ass  the  use  of  food,  because  his  teeth 
mow  down  the  herbage  ?  or  standeth  the  crocodile  erect, 
although  his  backbone  is  as  straight  as  thine  ? 

God  formed  thee  as  he  had  formed  these  ;  after  them 
all  wast  thou  created ;  superiority  and  command  were 
given  thee  over  all ;  and  of  his  own  breath  did  he  com- 
municate to  thee  thy  principle  of  knowledge. 

Know  thyself  then  the  pride  of  his  creation — the  link 
uniting  divinity  and  matter.  Behold  a  part  of  God  him- 
self within  thee  ;  remember  thine  own  dignity,  nor  dare 
to  descend  unto  evil, 

Who  planted  terror  in  the  tail  of  the  serpent  ?  Who 
clothed  the  neck  of  the  horse  with  thunder  ?  Even  ho 
who  hath  instructed  thee  to  crush  the  one  under  thy 
feet,  and  to  tame  the  other  to  thy  purpose. 

CHATER   II. 

OF    THE     USE     OF    THE    SENSES. 

VAUNT  not  of  thy  body,  because  it  was  first  formed  ; 
nor  of  thy  brain,  because  therein  thy  soul  resideth.  Is 
not  the  master  of  the  house  more  honorable  than  its 
walls  ? 

The  ground  must  be  prepared  before  corn  be  planted ; 
the  potter  must  build  his  furnace  before  he  can  make 
his  porcelain. 

As  the  breath  of  Heaven  sayeth  unto  the  waters  o'. 


312  ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE. 

the  deep — '  This  way  shall  thy  billows  roll,  and  no  other ; 
thus  high  shall  they  raise  their  fury,  and  no  higher ;' — 
so  let  thy  spirit,  Oh  man  !  actuate  and  direct  thy  flesh  ; 
so  let  thy  spirit  bring  it  into  subjection. 

Thy  soul  is  the  monarch  of  thy  frame  :  suffer  not  its 
subjects  to  rebel  against  it. 

Thy  body  is  as  the  globe  of  the  earth ;  thy  bones  the 
pillars  that  sustain  it  on  its  basis. 

As  the  ocean  giveth  rise  to  springs,  whose  waters  re- 
turn again  into  its  bosom  through  the  rivers ;  so  run- 
neth thy  life  from  the  heart  outward,  and  so  returneth 
it  into  its  place  again. 

Do  not  both  retain  their  course  for  ever  ?  Behold 
the  same  God  ordained  them. 

Is  not  thy  nose  the  channel  to  perfumes  ?  thy  mouth 
the  path  to  delicacies  ?  yet  know  thou,  that  perfumes 
long  smelt  become  offensive  ;  and  delicacies  destroy  the 
appetite  they  flatter. 

Are  not  thine  eyes  the  sentinels  that  watch  for  thee  ? 
yet  how  often  are  they  unable  to  distinguish  truth  from 
error !  Keep  thy  soul  in  moderation,  teach  thy  spirit 
to  be  attentive  to  its  good  ;  so  shall  these  its  ministers 
be  ever  unto  thee  conveyances  of  truth. 

Thine  hand,  is  it  not  a  miracle  ?  is  there  in  the  crea- 
tion aught  like  unto  it  ?  wherefore  was  it  given  thee, 
but  that  thou  mightest  stretch  it  out  to  the  assistance 
of  thy  brother  ? 

Why  of  all  things  living  art  thou  alone  made  capable 
of  blushing  ?  the  world  shall  read  thy  shame  upon  thy 
face,  therefore  do  nothing  shameful. 


ECONOMY    OF     HUMAN    LIFE.  313 

Fear  and  dismay,  why  rob  they  thy  countenance  of 
its  ruddy  splendor  ?  Avoid  guilt,  and  thou  shalt  know 
that  fear  is  beneath  thee,  that  dismay  is  unmanly. 

Wherefore  to  thee  alone  speak  shadows  in  the  visions 
of  thy  pillow  ?  Reverence  them ;  for  know  that  dreams 
are  from  on  high. 

Thou,  man,  alone,  canst  speak  ;  wonder  at  thy  golori- 
ous  prerogative,  and  pay  to  him  who  gave  thee  speech 
a  rational  and  welcome  praise  ;  teach  also  thy  children 
wisdom — instruct  the  offspring  of  thy  loins  in  piety. 

CHAPTER   III. 

THE     SOUL     OF    MAN,      ITS      ORIGIN    AND      AFFEC- 
TIONS. 

THE  blessings,  0  man !  of  thy  external  parts  are 
health,  vigor,  and  proportion  ;  the  greatest  of  these  is 
health.  What  health  is  to  the  body,  even  that  is  honesty 
to  the  soul. 

That  thou  hast  a  soul  is  of  all  knowledge  the  most 
certain— of  all  truths  the  most  plain  unto  thee  ;  be  meek, 
be  grateful  for  it ;  seek  not  to  know  it  perfectly — it  is 
inscrutable. 

Thought,  understanding,  reason,  will,  call  not  these, 
thy  soul — they  are  its  actions,  but  they  are  not  its 
essence. 

Raise  it  not  too  high,  that  thou  be  not  despised.  Be 
not  thou  like  unto  those  who  fall  by  climbing,  neither 
debase  it  to  the  sense  of  brutes :  nor  be  thou  like  to  the 
horse  and  the  mule,  in  whom  there  is  no  understanding. 

Search  it  by  its  faculties,  know  it  by  its  virtues,  the 


314  KCONOMT    OF     HUMAN    LIFE. 


are  more  in  number  than  the  hairs  of  thy  head :  the 
stars  of  heaven  are  not  to  be  counted  with  them. 

Think  not,  with  Arabia,  that  one  soul  is  parted  among 
all  men ;  neither  believe  thou,  with  the  sons  of  Egypt, 
that  every  man  hath  many  ;  know  that  as  thy  heart,  so 
is  thy  soul,  also  one. 

Doth  not  the  sun  harden  the  clay  ?  doth  not  it  also 
soften  the  wax  ?  as  it  is  one  sun  that  worketh  both,  even 
so  it  is  one  soul  that  willeth  contraries. 

As  the  moon  retaineth  her  nature,  though  darkness 
spread  itself  before  her  face  as  a  curtain ;  so  the  soul 
remaineth  perfect  even  in  the  bosom  of  the  fool. 

She  is  immortal ;  she  is  unchangeable  ;  she  is  alike 
in  all ;  health  calleth  her  forth  to  shew  her  loveliness, 
and  application  anointeth  her  with  the  oil  of  wisdom. 

Although  she  shall  live  after  thee,  think  not  she  was 
born  before  thee  ;  she  was  created  with  thy  flesh,  and 
formed  with  thy  brain. 

Justice  could  not  give  her  to  thee  exalted  by  virtues, 
nor  mercy  deliver  her  to  thee  deformed  by  vices.  These 
must  be  thine,  and  thou  must  answer  for  them. 

Suppose  not  death  can  shield  thee  from  examination  ; 
think  not  corruption  can  hide  thee  from  inquiry.  He 
who  formed  thee  of  thou  knowest  not  what,  can  he  not 
raise  thee  from  thou  knowest  not  what  again  ? 

Perceiveth  not  the  cock  the  hour  of  midnight — exal- 
teth  he  not  his  voice,  to  tell  thee  when  it  is  moning  ? 
Knoweth  not  the  dog  the  footsteps  of  his  master  ?  and 
flieth  not  the  wounded  goat  unto  the  herb  that  healeth 
him  ?  Yet  when  these  die  their  spirits  return  to  the 
dust ;  th'ne  alone  surviveth. 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE.  315 

Envy  not  these  their  senses,  because  quicker  than 
thine  own  ;  learn  that  the  advantage  lieth  not  in  pos- 
sessing good  things,  but  in  the  knowledge  how  to  use 
them. 

Hadst  thou  the  ear  of  the  stag,  or  were  thine  eye  as 
strong  and  piercing  as  the  eagle's ;  didst  thou  equal  the 
hound  in  smell,  or  could  the  ape  resign  to  thee  his  taste, 
or  the  tortoise  her  feeling  ;  yet  without  reason  what 
would  they  avail  thee  ?  Perish  not  all  these  like  their 
kindred  ? 

Hath  any  one  of  them  the  gift  of  speech  ?  Can  any 
say  unto  thee — '  Therefore  did  I  so  ?' 

The  lips  of  the  wise  are  as  the  doors  of  a  cabinet ; 
no  sooner  are  they  opened,  but  the  treasures  are  poured 
out  before  thee. 

Like  unto  trees  of  gold  arranged  in  beds  of  silver, 
are  wise  sentences  uttered  in  due  season. 

Canst  thou  think  too  greatly  of  thy  soul,  or  can  too 
much  be  said  in  its  praise  ?  It  is  the  image  of  him  who 
efave  it. 

Remember  thou  its  dignity  for  ever  :  forget  not  how 
great  a  talent  is  committed  to  thy  charge. 

Whatsoever  may  do  good  may  also  do  harm ;  beware 
that  thou  directest  its  course  to  Virtue. 

Think  not  that  thou  canst  lose  her  in  the  crowd ;  sup- 
pose not  that  thou  canst  bury  her  in  thy  closet ;  action 
is  her  delight,  and  she  will  not  be  withheld  from  it. 

Her  motion  is  perpetual,  her  attempts  are  universal ; 
her  agility  is  not  to  be  surpassed.  Is  it  at  the  utter- 
most part  of  the  earth  ?  she  will  have  it.  Is  it  beyond 


316  KCONOMT    OP    HUMAN    LIFE. 

the  region  of  the  stars  ?  yet  will  her  eye  discover  it. 

Inquiry  is  her  delight ;  as  one  who  traverseth  the 
burning  sands  in  search  of  water,  so  is  the  soul  that 
thirsteth  after  knowledge. 

Guard  her,  for  she  is  rash  ;  restrain  her,  for  she  is 
irregular ;  correct  her,  for  she  is  outrageous  ;  more  un- 
stable is  she  than  water,  more  flexible  than  wax,  more 
yielding  than  air  :  is  there  aught  then  can  bind  her? 

As  a  sword  in  the  hand  of  a  madman ;  even  so  is  the 
soul  to  him  who  wanteth  discretion. 

The  end  of  her  search  is  truth ;  her  means  to  dis- 
cover it  are  reason  and  experience ;  but  are  not  these 
weak,  uncertain,  and  fallacious  ? 

How  then  shall  she  attain  unto  it. 

General  opinion  is  no  proof  of  truth,  for  the  gene- 
raility  of  men  are  ignorant. 

Perception  of  thyself,  the  knowledge  of  him  who 
created  thee,  the  sense  of  the  worship  thou  owest  unto 
him,  are  not  these  plain  before  thy  face  ?  And  behold  ! 
what  is  there  more  that  man  needeth  to  know  ? 

CHAPTER   IV. 

OF    THE    PERIOD    AND    USES    OF    HUMAN    LIFE. 

As  the  eye  of  the  morning  to  the  lark,  as  the  shade 
of  the  evening  to  the  owl,  as  honey  to  the  bee,  or  as  the 
carcass  to  the  vulture,  even  such  is  life  unto  the  heart 
of  man. 

Though  bright,  it  dazzleth  not ;  though  obscure,  it 
displeaseth  not ;  though  sweet  it  cloyeth  not ;  though 
corrupt,  it  forbideth  not ;  yet  who  is  he  that  knoweth  its 
true  value  ? 


ECONOMY    OF    HITMAN    J,  I  P  K  .  317 

Learn  to  esteem  life  as  thou  oughtest ;  then  art  thou 
near  the  principle  of  wisdom. 

Think  not  with  the  fool  that  nothing  is  more  valuable, 
nor  believe  with  the  pretended  wise,  that  thou  oughtest 
to  contemn  it ;  love  not  life  for  itself,  but  for  the  good 
you  may  do  in  it  to  others. 

Gold  cannot  buy  it  for  thee,  neither  can  mines  of 
diamonds  purchase  back  the  moments  thou  hast  now 
lost  of  it ;  employ  thy  succeeding  ones  in  virtue. 

Say  not  that  it  were  best  not  to  have  been  born,  or  if 
born,  that  it  had  been  best  to  die  early  ;  neither  dare 
thou  to  ask  of  thy  Creator — 'Where  had  been  the  evil, 
had  I  not  existed  ?'  Good  is  in  thy  power  ;  the  want 
of  good  is  evil ;  aud  if  thy  question  be  just,  lo  !  it  con- 
demneth  thee. 

Would  the  fish  swallow  the  bait  if  he  knew  the  hook 
was  hid  therein  ?  Would  the  lion  enter  the  toils  if  he 
saw  they  were  prepared  for  him?  so  neither  were  the 
soul  to  perish  with  this  clay,  would  man  wish  to  live, 
neither  would  a  merciful  God  have  created  him  :  know 
hence  that  thou  shall  live  afterward. 

As  the  bird  enclosed  in  the  cage  before  he  seeth  it, 
yet  teareth  not  his  flesh  against  its  sides  ;  so  neither 
labor  thou  vainly  to  run  from  the  state  thou  art  in,  but 
know  it  is  allotted  thee,  and  be  content  with  it. 

Though  its  ways  are  uneven,  yet  are  they  not  all 
painful :  accommodate  thyself  to  all ;  and  where  there 
is  least  appearance  of  evil,  suspect  the  greatest  danger. 

When  thy  bed  is  straw,  thou  sleepest  in  security ; 
but  when  thou  stretchest  thyself  on  roses,  beware  of 
the  thorns. 


318  ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFB. 


A  good  death  is  better  than  an  evil  life  ;  strive  there- 
fore to  live  as  long  as  thou  oughtest,  not  as  long  as  thou 
canst ;  while  thy  life  is  to  others  worth  more  than  thy 
death,  it  is  thy  duty  to  preserve  it. 

Complain  not  with  the  fool  of  the  shortness  of  thy 
time  ;  remember  that  with  thy  days  thy  cares  are  shor- 
tened. 

Take  from  the  period  of  thy  life  the  useless  parts  of 
it,  and  what  remaineth  ?  Take  of  the  time  of  thine  in- 
fancy, the  second  infancy  of  age,  thy  sleep,  thy  thought- 
less hours,  thy  days  of  sickness  ;  and  even  at  the  ful- 
ness of  years,  how  few  seasons  hast  though  truly  num- 
bered ! 

He  who  gave  thee  life  as  a  blessing  shortened  it  to 
make  it  more  so  ;  to  what  end  would  longer  life  have 
served  thee  ?  Wishest  thou  to  have  had  an  opportunity 
of  more  vice  ?  As  to  the  good,  will  not  he  who  limited 
thy  span  be  satisfied  with  the  fruits  of  it  ? 

To  what  end,  0  child  of  sorrow !  wouldst  thou  live 
longer  ?  To  breathe,  to  eat,  to  see  the  world  ?  All  this 
thou  hast  done  often  already :  too  frequent  repetition, 
is  it  not  tiresome,  or  is  it  not  superfluous  ? 

Wouldst  though  improve  thy  wisdom  and  thy  virtue  ? 
Alas !  what  art  thou  to  know,  or  who  is  it  that  shall 
teach  thee  ?  Badly  thou  employestthe  little  thou  hast ; 
dare  not  therefore  to  complain  that  more  is  not  given 
thee. 

Rapine  not  at  the  want  of  knowledge — it  must  perish 
with  thee  in  the  grave ;  be  honest  here,  thou  shalt  be 
wise  hereafter. 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE.  319 

Say  not  unto  the  crow — '  Why  numberest  thou  seven 
times  the  age  of  thy  lord  ?'  or  to  the  fawn — '  Why  are 
thine  eyes  to  see  my  offspring  to  a  hundred  genera- 
tions ?' — Are  these  to  be  compared  with  thee  in  the 
abuse  of  life  ?  Are  they  riotous  ?  Are  they  cruel  ? 
Are  they  ungrateful  ?  Learn  from  them  rather,  that 
innocence  of  life  and  simplicity  of  manners  are  the  paths 
to  a  good  old  age. 

Knowest  thou  to  employ  life  better  than  these  ?  then 
less  of  it  may  suffice  thee. 

Man,  who  dares  enslave  the  world,  when  he  knows 
that  he  can  enjoy  his  tyranny  but  for  a  moment,  what 
would  he  not  aim  at,  were  he  immortal  ? 

Enough  hast  thou  of  life,  but  thou  regardest  it  not : 
thou  art  not  in  want  of  it,  Oh  man  !  But  thou  art  pro- 
digal :  thou  throwest  it  lightly  away,  as  if  thou  hadst 
more  than  enough ;  and  yet  thou  repinest  that  it  is  not 
gathered  again  unto  thee. 

Know  that  it  is  not  abundance  which  maketh  rich, 
but  economy. 

The  wise  continueth  to  live  from  his  first  period  ;  the 
fool  is  always  beginning. 

Labor  not  after  riches  first,  and  think  thou  afterwards 
wilt  enjoy  them  :  he  who  neglecteth  the  present  moment 
throweth  away  all  that  he  hath  :  as  the  arrow  passath 
through  the  heart  while  the  warrior  knew  not  that  ;t 
was  coming,  so  shall  his  life  be  taken  away  before  h  ; 
knoweth  that  he  hath  it. 

What  then  is  life,  that  man  should  desire  it  ?  and 
what  is  breathing,  that  he  shall  covet  it  ? 


320  ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE. 

Is  it  not  a  scene  of  delusion,  a  series  of  misadven- 
tures, a  pursuit  of  evils  linked  on  all  sides  together  ?  In 
the  beginning  it  is  ignorance,  pain  is  in  its  middle,  and 
its  end  is  sorrow. 

As  one  wave  pusheth  on  another,  till  both  are  involv- 
ed in  that  behind  them  :  even  so  succeedeth  evil  to  evil 
in  the  life  of  man  :  the  greater  and  the  present  swal- 
low up  the  lesser  and  the  past.  Our  terrors  are  real 
evils ;  our  expectations  look  forward  into  improba- 
bilities. 

Fools,  to  dread  as  mortals,  and  to  desire  as  if  im- 
mortal ! 

What  part  of  life  is  it  that  we  would  wish  to  remain 
with  us  ?  It  is  youth  ?  Can  we  be  in  love  with  out- 
rage, licentiousness,  and  termerity  ? — Is  it  age  ?  then 
are  we  fond  of  infirmities. 

It  is  said,  gray  hairs  are  revered,  and  in  length  of 
days  honor.  Virtue  can  add  reverence  to  the  bloom  of 
youth  ;  and  without  it  age  plants  more  wrinkles  in  the 
soul  than  on  the  forehead. 

Is  age  respected  because  it  hateth  riot  ?  What  jus- 
tice is  in  this,  when  it  is  not  age  that  despiseth  pleasure, 
but  pleasure  that  despiseth  age  ? 

Be  virtuous  while  thou  art  young,  so  shall  thine  age 
be  honored. 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE.  321 

MAN  CONSIDERED  IN  REGARD  TO  HIS  INFIR- 
MITIES, AND  THEIR  EFPCTS. 

CHAPTER   I. 

VANITY. 

INCONSTANCY  is  powerful  in  the  heart  of  man :  intem- 
perance swayeth  it  whither  it  will ;  despair  engrosseth 
much  of  it :  and  fear  proclaimeth — '  Behold  I  sit  un- 
rivalled therein  !'  but  vanity  is  beyond  them  all. 

Weep  not,  therefore,  at  the  calamities  of  the  human 
state  ;  rather  smile  at  its  follies.  In  the  hands  of  a  man 
addicted  to  vanity,  life  is  but  the  s'hadow  of  a  dream. 

The  hero,  the  most  renowned  of  human  characters, 
what  is  he  but  a  bubble  of  this  weakness  ?  The  pub- 
lic is  unstable  and  ungrateful  ;  why  should  the  man  of 
wisdom  endanger  himself  for  fools  ? 

The  man  who  neglecteth  his  present  concerns,  to  re- 
volve how  he  will  behave  when  he  is  greater,  feedeth 
himself  with  wind,  while  his  bread  is  eaten  by  another. 

Act  as  becometh  thee  in  thy  present  station  ;  and  in 
a  more  exalted  one  thou  shalt  not  be  ashamed. 

What  blindeth  the  eye,  or  what  hideth  the  heart  of  a 
man  from  himself,  like  vanity  ?  Lo !  when  thou  seest 
not  thyself,  then  others  discover  thee  most  plainly. 

As  the  tulip  that  is  gaudy  without  smell,  conspicu- 
ous without  use  ;  so  is  the  man  who  setteth  himself  up 
on  high,  and  hath  no  merit. 

The  heart  of  the  vain  is  troubled  while  it  seemeth 
content ;  his  cares  are  greater  than  his  pleasures. 

21 


322  ECONOMY    OF     HUMAN    LIFE. 

His  solicitude  cannot  rest  with  his  bones  :  the  grave 
is  not  deep  enough  to  hide  it ;  he  extendeth  his  thoughts 
beyond  his  being  ;  he  bespcaketh  praise  to  be  paid 
when  he  is  gone  ;  but  whoso  promiscth  it  deceiveth  him. 

As  the  man  who  engageth  his  wife  to  remain  in 
widowhood,  that  she  disturb  net  his  soul ;  so  is  he  who 
expecteth  that  praise  shall  reach  his  ears  beneath  the 
earth,  or  cherish  his  heart  in  its  shroud. 

Do  well  whilst  thou  livest,  but  regard  not  what  is 
said  of  it ;  content  thyself  with  deserving  praise,  and 
thy  posterity  shall  rejoice  in  hearing  it. 

As  the  butterfly,  who  seeth  not  her  own  colors — as 
the  jessamine,  which  scenteth  not  the  odor  it  casteth 
around ;  so  is  the  man  who  appeareth  gay,  and  biddeth 
others  to  take  note  of  it. 

To  what  purpose,  saith  he,  is  my  vesture  of  gold,  to 
what  end  are  my  tables  filled  with  dainties,  if  no  eye 
gaze  upon  them,  if  the  world  know  it  not  ?  Give  thy 
raiment  to  the  naked,  and  thy  food  unto  the  hungry , 
so  shalt  thou  be  praised,  and  shalt  feel  that  thou  de- 
servest  it. 

Why  bestowest  thou  on  every  man  the  flattery  of  un- 
meaning words  ?  Thou  knowest  that  when  returned 
unto  thee,  thou  regardest  it  not.  He  knoweth  he  lieth 
unto  thee  ;  yet  he  knoweth  thou  wilt  thank  him  for  it. 
Speak  in  sincerity,  and  thou  shalt  hear  with  instruction. 

The  vain  delighteth  to  speak  of  himself;  but  he  steth 
not  that  others  like  not  to  hear  him. 

If  he  hath  done  any  thing  worthy  of  praise,  if  he 
Possess  that  which  is  worthy  of  admiration,  his  joy  is 


ECONOMY    OF     HUMAN    LIFE.  323 

to  proclaim  it,  his  pride  is  to  hear  it  reported.  The 
desire  of  such  a  man  defeateth  itself :  men  say  not — 
Behold,  he  hath  done  it ;  or,  See,  he  possesseth  it ; 
but — Mark  how  proud  he  is  of  it ! 

The  heart  of  man  cannot  attend  at  once  to  many 
things  :  he  who  fixeth  his  soul  on  show  loseth  reality  ; 
he  pursueth  bubbles  which  break  in  their  flight,  while 
he  treadeth  to  earth  what  would  do  him  honor. 

CHATER   II. 

INCONSTANCY. 

NATURE  urgeth  thee  to  inconstancy,  Oh  man ;  there- 
fore guard  thyself  at  all  times  against  it. 

Thou  art  from  the  womb  of  thy  mother  various  and 
wavering  ;  from  the  loins  of  thy  father  inheritest  thou 
instability ;  how  then  shall  thou  be  firm  ? 

Those  who  gave  thee  a  body  furnished  it  with  weak- 
ness :  but  he  who  gave  thee  a  soul  armed  thee  with 
resolution  :  employ  it,  and  thou  art  wise — be  wise,  and 
thou  art  happy 

Let  him  who  doeth  well  beware  how  he  boasteth  of 
it ;  for  rarely  is  it  of  his  own  will. 

Is  it  not  the  event  of  an  impulse  from  without  ?  Born 
of  uncertainty,  enforced  by  accident,  dependant  on 
somewhat  else ;  to  these  then,  and  accident,  is  the  praise 
due. 

Beware  of  irresolution  in  the  intent  of  thy  actions, 
beware  of  instability  in  the  execution  ;  so  shalt  thou 
triumph  over  two  great  failings  of  thy  nature. 

What  reproacheth  reason  more  than  to  act  contrane 


324  ECONOMY    OP     HUMAN    LIFE. 


ties  ?  What  can  suppress  the  tendencies  of  these,  but 
firmness  of  mind  ? 

The  inconstant  feeleth  that  he  changeth,  but  he 
knoweth  not  why  ;  he  seeth  that  he  escapeth  from  him- 
self, but  he  perceiveth  not  how :  be  thoujncapable  of 
change  in  that  which  is  right,  and  men  will  rely  upon 
thee. 

Establish  unto  thyself  principles  of  action,  and  see 
that  thou  ever  act  according  to  them. 

First,  know  that  thy  principles  are  just ;  and  then  be 
thou  inflexible  in  the  path  of  them. 

So  shall  thy  passions  have  no  rule  over  thee  ;  so  shall 
thy  constancy  ensure  unto  thee  the  good  thou  posses- 
sest,  and  drive  from  thy  door  misfortune :  anxiety  and 
disappointment  shall  be  strangers  to  thy  gates. 

Suspect  not  evil  in  any  one  until  thou  seest  it ;  when 
thou  seest  it,  forget  it  not. 

Whoso  hath  been  an  enemy,  cannot  be  a  friend  ;  for 
man  mendeth  not  his  faults. 

How  should  his  actions  be  right  who  hath  no  rule  of 
life  ?  Nothing  can  be  just  which  proceedeth  not  from 
reason. 

The  inconstant  hath  no  peace  in  his  soul ;  neither  can 
any  be  at  ease  whom  he  concerneth  himself  with. 

His  life  is  unequal,  his  motions  are  irregular,  his  soul 
changeth  with  the  weather. 

To-day  he  loveth  thee,  to-morrow  thou  art  detested 
by  him  :  and  why  ?  himself  knoweth  not  wherefore  he 
loVed,  or  wherefore  he  now  hates. 

To-day  he  is  a  tyrant,  to-morrow  the  servant  is  less 


ECONOMY    OF    HTTMAN    LIFE.  325 

humble,  and  why  ?  He  who  is  arrogant  without  power 
will  be  servile  where  there  is  no  subjection. 

To-day  he  is  profuse,  to-morrow  he  grudgeth  unto 
his  mouth  that  which  it  should  eat ;  thus  it  is  with  him 
that  knoweth  not  moderation. 

Who  shall  say  of  the  camelion,  He  is  black,  when  a 
moment  after  the  verdure  of  the  grass  overspreadeth 
him? 

Who  shall  say  of  the  inconstant,  he  is  joyful,  when 
his  next  breath  shall  be  spent  in  sighing  ? 

What  is  the  life  of  such  a  man  but  the  phantom  of  a 
dream  ?  in  the  morning  he  riseth  happy,  at  noon  he  is 
on  the  rock :  this  hour  he  is  a  god,  the  next  below  a 
worm  :  one  moment  he  laugheth,  the  next  he  weepeth. 
He  now  willeth,  in  an  instant  he  willeth  not,  and  in 
another  he  knoweth  not  whether  he  willeth  or  no. 

Yet  neither  ease  nor  pain  have  fixed  themselves  on 
him — neither  is  he  waxed  greater,  nor  become  less — 
neither  hath  he  had  cause  for  laughter,  nor  reason  for 
sorrow :  therefore  shall  none  of  them  abide  with  him. 

The  happiness  of  the  inconstant  is  as  a  palace  built 
on  the  surface  of  the  sand ;  the  blowing  of  the  wind 
carrieth  away  its  foundation :  what  wonder  then  that 
it  falleth  ? 

But  what  exalted  form  is  this,  that  hitherward  directs 
its  even,  its  uninterrupted  course ;  whose  foot  is  on  the 
earth,  whose  head  is  above  the  clouds  ?  On  his  brow 
sitteth  his  majesty,  steadiness  is  in  his  port,  and  in  his 
heart  reigneth  tranquility. 

Though  obstacles  appear  in  the  way,  he  deigneth  not 


326  BCONOMT    OF    HUMAN    LIFE. 

to  look  down  upon  them  ;  though  heaven  and  earth  op- 
pose his  passage,  he  proceedeth. 

The  mountains  sink  beneath  his  tread  ;  the  waters  of 
the  ocean  are  dried  up  under  the  sole  of  his  foot. 

The  tiger  throweth  himself  across  his  way  in  vain ; 
the  spots  of  the  leopard  glow  against  him  unregarded. 

He  marcheth  through  embattled  legions ;  with  his 
hand  he  putteth  aside  the  terrors  of  death. 

Storms  roar  against  his  shoulders,  but  are  not  able  to 
shake  them  :  the  thunder  bursteth  over  his  head  in 
vain  ;  the  lightning  serveth  but  to  shew  the  glories  of 
his  countenance. 

His  name  is  Resolution  !  he  cometh  from  the  utmost 
parts  of  the  earth  ;  he  seeth  Happiness  afar  off  before 
him  :  his  eyes  discovereth  her  temple  beyond  the  limits 
of  the  people. 

He  walketh  up  to  it,  he  entereth  boldly,  and  he  re- 
maineth  there  for  ever. 

Establish  thy  heart,  Oh  man  !  in  that  which  is  right, 
and  then  know  the  greatest  of  human  praise  is  to  be 
immutable. 

CHAPTER    III. 

WEAKNESS. 

VAIN  and  inconstant  as  thou  art,  Oh  child  of  imper- 
fection !  how  canst  thou  be  but  weak  ?  Is  not  incon- 
stancy connected  with  frailty  ?  Can  there  be  vanity 
without  infirmity  ?  Avoid  the  danger  of  the  one,  and 
thou  shalt  escape  the  mischief  of  the  other. 

Wherein  art  thou  most  weak  ?  in  that  wherein  thou 


ECONOMY    OF     HtTMAN    LIFE.  327 

seemest  most  strong — in  that  wherein  most  thou  glo- 
riest — even  in  possessing  the  things  which  thou  hast — 
in  using  the  good  that  is  about  thee. 

Are  not  thy  desires  also  frail  ?  or  knowest  thou  even 
what  it  is  thou  wouldest  wish  ?  When  thou  hast  ob- 
tained what  most  thou  soughtest  alter,  behold,  it  con- 
tenteth  the  not. 

Wherefore  loseth  the  pleasure  that  is  before  thee  its 
relish  ?  and  why  appeareth  that  which  is  yet  to  come 
the  sweeter  ?  Because  thou  art  wearied  with  the  good 
of  this — because  thou  knowest  not  the  evil  of  that 
which  is  not  with  thee.  Know  that  to  be  content  is  to 
be  happy. 

Couldest  thou  choose  for  thyself,  would  thy  Creator 
lay  before  thee  all  that  thine  heart  could  ask  for,  would 
happiness  then  remain  with  thee  ?  or  would  joy  dwell 
always  in  thy  gates  ? 

Alas  !  thy  weakness  forbiddeth  it — thy  infirmity  de- 
clareth  against  it.  Variety  is  to  thee  in  the  place  of 
pleasure  ;  but  that  which  permanently  delighteth  must 
be  permanent. 

When  it  is  gone,  thou  repentest  the  loss  of  it;  though 
while  it  was  with  thee,  thou  didst  despise  it. 

That  which  succeedeth  it  hath  no  more  pleasure  for 
thee  ;  and  thou  afterward  quarrellest  with  thyself  for 
preferring  it ;  behold  the  only  circumstance  in  which 
thou  errest  not. 

Is  there  any  thing  in  which  thy  weakness  appeareth 
more  than  in  desiring  things  ?  it  is  in  the  possessing, 
and  in  tli e  using  them. 


328  ECONOMY    OF     HUMAN    LIFE. 

Good  things  often  cease  to  be  good  in  our  enjoyment 
of  them  ;  what  nature  meant  to  be  pure  sweets  are 
sources  of  bitterness  to  us :  from  our  delights  arise 
pain,  from  our  joys,  sorrow. 

Be  moderate  in  thy  enjoyment,  and  it  shall  remain  in 
thy  possession :  let  thy  joy  be  founded  on  reason,  and 
to  its  end  shall  sorrow  be  a  stranger. 

The  delights  of  love  are  ushered  in  by  sights,  and 
they  terminate  in  languishment  and  dejection  ;  the  ob- 
ject thou  burnest  for  nauseates  with  satiety,  and  no 
sooner  hadst  thou  possessed  it,  but  thou  wert  weary  of 
its  presence. 

Join  esteem  to  thy  admiration  ;  unite  friendship  with 
thy  love  :  so  shalt  thou  find  in  the  end  that  content  sur- 
passeth  raptures  ;  that  tranquility  is  of  more  worth  than 
ecstasy. 

God  hath  given  thee  no  good  without  its  admixtures 
of  evil ;  but  he  hath  given  thee  also  the  means  of  throw- 
ing off  the  evil  from  it. 

As  joy  is  not  without  its  alloy  of  pain,  so  neither  is 
sorrow  without  its  portion  of  pleasure.  Joy  and  grief, 
though  unlike,  are  united ;  our  own  choice  only  can 
give  them  to  us  entire. 

Melancholy  itself  often  giveth  delight ;  and  the  ex- 
tremity of  joy  is  mingled  with  tears. 

The  best  things  in  the  hand  of  a  fool  may  be  turned 
to  his  destruction ;  and  out  of  the  worst  the  wise  will 
find  the  means  of  good. 

So  blended  is  weakness  in  thy  nature,  Oh  man  !  that 
thou  has  no  strength  either  to  be  good  or  to  be  evil  en- 


ECONOMY    OF     HUMAN    LIFE.  329 

» 

tirely  ;  rejoice  that  thou  canst  not  excel  in  evil,  and  let 
the  good  that  is  within  thy  reach  content  thee. 

The  virtues  are  allotted  to  various  stations  ;  seek  not 
after  impossibilities,  nor  grieve  that  thou  canst  not  pos- 
sese  them  all. 

Wouldst  thou  at  once  have  the  liberality  of  the  rich, 
and  the  contentment  of  the  poor  ?  or  should  the  wife  of 
thy  bosom  be  despised,  because  she  sheweth  not  the 
virtues  of  the  widow  ? 

If  thy  father  sink  before  thee  in  the  divisions  of  thy 
country,  can  at  once  thy  justice  destroy  him,  and  thy 
duty  save  his  life  ? 

If  thou  behold  thy  brother  in  the  agonies  of  a  slow 
death,  is  it  not  mercy  to  put  a  period  to  his  life  ?  and  is 
it  not  also  death  to  be  his  murderer  ? 

Truth  is  but  one  ;  thy  doubts  are  of  thine  own  rais- 
ing ;  he  who  made  virtues  what  they  are  planted  also 
in  thee  a  knowledge  of  their  pre-eminence  :  inform  thy 
soul,  and  act  as  that  dictates  to  thee,  and  the  end  shall 
be  always  right. 

CHAPTER   IY. 

OF    THB    INSUFFICIENCY     OF    KNOWLEDGE. 

IF  there  is  any  thing  lovely — if  there  is  any  thing  de- 
sirable— if  there  is  any  thing  within  the  reach  of  man 
that  is  worthy  of  praise,  is  not  knowledege  ?  and  yet  who 
is  he  that  attaineth  unto  it  ? 

The  statesman  proclaimeth  that  he  hath  it ;  the  ruler 
of  the  people  claimeth  the  praise  of  it :  but  findeth  the 
subject  that  he  possesseth  it  ? 


330  ECONOMY    OF     HUMAN    LIFE. 


Evil  is  not  requisite  to  man,  neither  can  vice  be  ne- 
cessary to  be  tolerated  ;  yet  how  many  evils  are  permitt- 
ed by  the  connivance  of  the  laws  ? — how  many  crimes 
committed  by  the  decrees  of  the  council  ? 

But  be  wise,  Oh  ruler !  and  learn,  Oh  thou  that  art 
to  command  the  nations  !  one  crime  authorized  by  thee 
is  worse  than  the  escape  of  ten  from  punishment. 

When  thy  people  are  numerous,  when  thy  sons  in- 
crease about  thy  table,  sendest  thou  them  not  out  to  slay 
the  innocent,  and  to  fall  before  the  sword  of  him  whom 
they  have  not  offended  ? 

If  the  object  of  thy  desires  demandeth  the  lives  of  a 
thousand,  sayest  thou  not — I  will  have  it  ?  Surely  thou 
forgettest  that  he  who  created  thee,  created  also  these ; 
and  that  their  blood  is  as  rich  as  thine. 

Sayest  thou  that  justice  cannot  be  executed  without 
wrong  ?  surely  thine  own  words  condemn  thee. 

Thou  who  flatterest  with  false  hopes  the  criminal, 
that  he  may  confess  his  guilt,  art  thou  not  unto  him  a 
criminal  ?  or  is  thy  guilt  the  less,  because  he  cannot 
punish  it  ? 

When  thou  commandest  to  the  torture  him  who  is 
but  suspected  of  ill,  darest  thou  to  remember  that  thou 
mayest  rack  the  innocent  ? 

Is  thy  purpose  answered  by  the  event  ?  Is  thy  soul 
satisfied  with  his  confession  ?  Pain  will  enforce  him  to 
say  what  is  not,  as  easy  as  what  is :  and  anguish  hath 
caused  Innocence  to  accuse  herself. 

That  thou  mayest  not  kill  him  without  cause,  thou  dost 
worse  than  kill  him :  that  thou  mayest  prove  whether 
he  be  guilty,  thou  destroyest  him  innocent. 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE.  331 


Oh  blindess  to  all  truth  !  Oh  insufficiencey   of  the 

wisdom  of  the  wise  !  know  when  thy  judge  shall  bid 

thee  account  for  this,  then  shalt  thou  wish  ten  thousand 

uilty  to  have  gone  free,  rather  than  one  innocent  to 

;and  forth  against  thee. 

Insufficient  as  thou  art  to  the  maintenance  of  justice, 
low  shalt  thou  arrive  at  the  knowledge  of  truth  ?  how 
shalt  thou  ascend  to  the  footstep  of  her  throne  ? 

As  the  owl  is  blinded  by  the  radiance  of  the  sun,  so 
shall  the  bright  countenance  of  truth  dazzle  thee  in  thy 
approaches. 

If  thou  wouldst  mount  up  into  the  throne,  first  bow 
thyself  at  her  footstool — if  thou  wouldst  arrive  at  the 
knowledge  of  her,  first  inform  thyself  of  thine  own 
ignorance. 

More  worth  is  she  than  pearls,  therefore  seek  her 
carefully  :  the  emerald,  and  the  sapphire,  and  the  ruby, 
are  as  dirt  beneath  her  feet,  therefore  pursue  her 
manfully. 

The  way  to  her  is  labor :  attention  is  the  pilot  that 
must  conduct  thee  into  her  ports  :  but  weary  not  in  the 
way,  for  when  thou  art  arrived  at  her  toil  shall  be  to 
thee  for  pleasure. 

Say  not  unto  thyself,  Behold,  truth  breedeth  hatred, 
and  I  will  avoid  it ;  dissimulation  raiseth  friends,  and  I 
will  follow  it ;  are  not  the  enemies  made  by  truth  better 
than  the  friends  obtained  by  flattery  ? 

Naturally  doth  man  desire  the  truth,  yet  when,  it  is 
before  him,  he  will  not  apprehend  it ;  and  if  it  force 
itself  upon  him,  is  he  not  offended  at  it  ? 


332  ECONOMT    OF    HUMAN    LIFE. 


The  fault  is  not  in  truth,  for  that  is  amiable  ;  but  the 
weakness  of  man  beareth  not  its  splendor. 

Wouldst  thou  see  thine  insufficiency  more  plainly, 
view  thyself  at  thy  devotions.  To  what  end  was  religion 
instituted,  but  to  teach  thee  thine  infirmities,  to  remind 
thee  of  thy  weakness,  to  shew  thee  that  from  Heaven 
alone  thou  art  to  hope  for  good  ? 

Doth  it  not  remind  thee  that  thou  art  dust  ?  Doth  it 
not  tell  thee  that  thou  art  ashes  ?  And  behold  repen- 
tance !  is  it  not  built  on  frailty  ? 

When  thou  givest  an  oath — when  thou  swearest  thou 
wilt  not  deceive,  behold  it  spreadeth  shame  upon  thy 
face,  and  upon  the  face  of  him  that  receiveth  it !  learn 
to  be  just,  and  repentence  may  be  forgotten — learn  to 
be  hpnest,  and  oaths  are  unnecessary. 

The  shorter  follies  are  the  better  !  say  not  therefore 
to  thyself — I  will  not  play  the  fool  by  halves. 

He  that  heareth  his  own  faults  with  patience  shah 
reprove  another  with  boldness. 

He  that  giveth  a  denial  with  reason  shall  suffer  a  re- 
pulse with  moderation. 

If  thou  art  suspected,  answer  with  freedom :  whom 
suspicion  affright,  except  the  guilty  ? 

The  tender  of  heart  is  turned  from  his  purpose  by 
supplication  ;  the  proud  is  rendered  more  obstinate  by 
entreaty  :  the  sense  of  thine  insufficiency  commandeth 
thee  to  hear;  but  to  be  just  thou  must  hear  without  thy 
passions. 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE.  333 

CHAPTER     V. 

MISERY. 

FEEBLE  and  insufficient  as  thou  art,  Oh  man  !  in  good . 
frail  and  inconstant  as  thou  art  in  pleasure,  yet  is  there 
a  thing  in  which  thou  art  strong  and  unshaken — its 
name  is  Misery. 

It  is  the  character  of  thy  being,  the  prerogative  of 
thy  nature  ;  in  thy  breast  alone  it  resideth  :  without  thee 
there  is  nothing  of  it ;  and  behold,  what  is  its  source, 
but  thine  own  passions  ? 

He  who  gave  thee  these  gave  thee  also  reason  to  sub- 
due them  ;  exert  it,  and  thou  shalt  trample  them  under 
thy  feet. 

Thine  entrance  into  the  world,  is  it  not  shameful  ? 
thy  destruction,  is  it  not  glorious  ?  Lo !  men  adorn  the 
instruments  of  death  with  gold  and  gems,  and  wear 
them  above  their  garments. 

He  who  begetteth  a  manhideth  his  face  ;  but  he  who 
killeth  a  thousand  is  honored. 

Know  thou,  notwithstanding,  that  in  this  is  error 
custom  cannot  alter  the  nature  of  truth,  neither  can  the 
opinion  of  man  destroy  justice;  the  glory  and  the  shame 
are  misplaced. 

There  is  but  one  way  for  man  to  be  produced  :  there 
are  a  thousand  by  which  he  may  be  destroyed. 

There  is  no  praise  or  honor  to  him  who  giveth  being 
to  another ;  but  triumphs  and  empire  are  often  the  re- 
wards of  murder. 

Yet  he  who  hath  many  children  hath  as  many  bles- 


334  ECONOMY    OF     HUMAN    LIFE. 

sings  ;  and  he  who  hath  taken  away  the  life  of  another 
shall  not  enjoy  his  own. 

While  the  savage  curseth  the  birth  of  his  son,  and 
blesseth  the  death  of  his  father,  doth  he  not  call  himself 
a  monster  ? 

Enough  of  evil  is  allotted  unto  man  ;  but  he  maketh 
it  more  while  he  lamenteth  it. 

The  greatest  of  all  human  ills  is  sorrow  ;  too  much 
of  this  thou  art  born  unto ;  add  not  unto  it,  by  thine 
own  perverseness. 

Grief  is  natural  to  thee,  and  is  always  about  thee ; 
Pleasure  is  a  stranger,  and  visiteth  thee  but  at  times  : 
use  well  thy  reason,  and  sorrow  shall  be  cast  behind 
thee ;  be  prudent,  and  the  visits  of  joy  shall  remain 
long  with  thee. 

Every  part  of  thy  frame  is  capable  of  sorrow  ;  but 
few  and  narrow  are  the  paths  that  lead  to  delight. 

Pleasure  can  be  admitted  only  simply  ;  but  pains  rush 
a  thousand  at  a  time. 

As  the  blaze  of  straw  fadeth  as  soon  as  it  is  kindled, 
so  passeth  away  the  brightness  of  joy,  and  thou  know- 
est  not  what  is  become  of  it. 

Sorrow  is  frequent — pleasure  is  rare ;  pain  comith 
of  itself — delight  must  be  purchased  ;  grief  is  unmix- 
ed— but  joy  wanteth  not  its  allay  of  bitterness. 

As  the  soundest  health  is  less  perceived  than  the 
slightest  malady,  so  the  highest  joy  touches  us  less 
deep  than  the  smallest  sorrow. 

We  are  in  love  with  anguish — we  often  fly  from  pleas- 
ure ;  when  we  purchase  it,  costeth  it  not  more  than  it  is 
worth  ? 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFB.  335 

Reflection  is  the  business  of  man :  a  sense  of  his 
state  is  his  first  duty  ;  but  who  remembereth  himself 
in  joy  ?  Is  it  not  in  mercy  then  that  sorrow  is  allotted 
unto  us  ? 

Man  foreseeth  the  evil  that  is  to  come  ;  he  remem- 
bereth it  when  it  is  past :  he  considereth  not  that  the 
thought  of  affliction  woundeth  deeper  than  the  affliction 
itself:  think  not  of  thy  pain  but  when  it  is  upon  thee, 
and  thou  shalt  avoid  what  most  would  hurt  thee. 

He  who  weepeth  before  he  needeth,  weepeth  more 
than  he  needeth — and  why  ?  but  that  he  loveth  weep- 
ing. 

The  stag  weepeth  not  till  the  spear  is  lifted  up  against 
him  ;  nor  do  the  tears  of  the  beaver  fall  till  the  hound 
is  ready  to  seize  him ;  man  anticipateth  death  by  the 
apprehension  of  it ;  and  the  fear  is  greater  misery  than 
the  event  itself. 

Be  always  prepared  to  give  an  account  of  thine  ac- 
tions, and  the  best  death  is  that  which  is  the  least  pre- 
meditated. 

CHAPTER    VI. 

JUDGMENT. 

THE  greatest  bounties  given  to  man  are  judgment 
and  will :  happy  is  he  who  misapplieth  them  not. 

As  the  torrent  that  rolleth  down  the  mountains  de- 
stroyeth  all  that  is  borne  away  by  it ;  so  doth  common 
opinion  overwhelm  reason  in  him  who  submitteth  to  it, 
without  saying,  '  What  is  thy  founuation  ?' 

See  what  thou  receivest  as  truth  be  not  the  shadow 


336  ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN     LIFE. 

of  it :  what  thou  acknowledgest  as  convincing  is  often 
but  plausible ;  be  firm,  be  constant,  determine  for  thy- 
self ;  so  shalt  thou  be  answerable  only  for  thine  own 
weakness. 

Say  not  that  the  event  proveth  the  wisdom  of  the  ac- 
tion ;  remember,  man  is  not  above  the  reach  of  acci- 
dents. 

Condemn  not  the  judgment  of  another  because  it  dif- 
fereth  from  thine  own  ;  may  not  even  both  be  in  an  error. 

When  thou  esteemest  a  man  for  his  titles,  and  con- 
temnest  the  stranger  because  he  wanteth  them,  judgest 
thou  not  of  the  camel  by  his  bridle  ? 

Think  not  thou  art  revenged  of  thine  enemy  when 
thou  slayest  him — tbou  puttest  him  beyond  thy  reach — 
thou  givest  him  quiet,  and  thou  takest  from  thyself  all 
means  of  hurting  him. 

Was  thy  mother  incontinent,  and  grieveth  it  thee  to 
be  told  of  it  ?  Is  frailty  in  thy  wife,  and  art  thou  pain- 
ed at  the  reproach  of  it?  He  who  despiseth  thee  for  it 
condemneth  himself:  art  thou  answerable  for  the  vices 
of  another? 

Disregard  not  a  jewel  because  thou  possessest  it ; 
neither  enhance  thou  the  value  of  a  thing  because  it  is 
another's :  possession  to  the  wise  addeth  to  the  price 
of  it. 

Honor  not  thy  wife  the  less,  because  she  is  in  thy 
pow«  r  :  and  despise  him  that  hath  said — '  Wouldst  thou 
love  hor  less,  marry  her  !'  What  hath  put  her  into  thy 
power  but  her  confidence  in  thy  virtue?  Shouldest 
thou  love  her  less  for  being  more  obliged  to  her  ? 


KOONOMf    OF     HUMAN    LIFE.  337 

If  thou  wert  just  in  thy  courtship  of  her,  though 
thou  neglectest  her  while  thou  hast  her,  yet  shall  her 
loss  be  bitter  to  thy  soul. 

He  who  thinketh  another  best  only  because  he  pos- 
sesseth  her,  if  he  be  not  wiser  than  thee,  at  least  he  is 
more  happy. 

Weigh  not  the  loss  thy  friend  hath  suffered  by  the 
tears  he  sheddeth :  the  greatest  griefs  are  oft  above 
these  expressions  of  them. 

Esteem  not  an  action  because  it  is  done  with  noise 
and  pomp  ;  the  noblest  soul  is  that  which  doth  great 
things,  and  is  not  moved  in  the  doing  of  them. 

Fame  astonisheth  the  ear  of  him  who  heareth  it ;  but 
tranquility  rejoiceth  the  heart  that  is  possessed  of  it. 

Attribute  not  the  good  actions  of  another  to  bad 
motives  :  thou  canst  not  know  his  heart;  but  the  world 
will  know  by  this,  that  thine  is  full  of  envy. 

There  is  not  in  hypocrisy  more  vice  than  folly  ;  to  be 
honest  is  as  easy  as  to  seem  so. 

Be  more  ready  to  acknowledge  a  benefit,  than  to  re- 
venge an  injury  ;  so  shall  thou  have  more  benefits  than 
injuries  done  unto  thee. 

Be  more  ready  to  love  than  to  hate  ;  so  shall  thou  be 
loved  by  more  than  hate  thee. 

Be  willing  to  commend,  and  be  slow  to  censure,  so 
shall  praise  be  upon  thy  virtues,  and  the  eye  of  enmity 
shall  be  blind  to  thy  imperfections. 

When  thou  doest  good,  do  it  because  it  is  good,  not 
because  men  esteem  it :  when  thou  avoidest  evil,  fly  it, 
because  it  is  evil,  not  becase  men  speak  against  it :  b« 

22 


338  ECONOMY    OF    HITMAN    LIFE. 

honest  for  love  of  honesty,  and  thou  shalt  be  uniformly 
so :  he  that  doth  it  without  principle  is  wavering. 

Wish  rather  to  be  reproved  by  the  wise,  than  to  be 
applauded  by  him  who  hath  no  understanding :  when 
they  tell  thee  of  a  fault,  they  suppose  thou  canst  im- 
prove ;  the  other,  when  he  praiseth  thee,  thinketh  thee 
like  unto  himself. 

Accept  not  an  office  for  which  thou  art  not  qualified, 
lest  he  who  knoweth  more  of  it  despise  thee. 

Instruct  not  another  in  that  wherein  thyself  art  igno- 
rant ;  when  he  seeth  it,  he  shall  upbraid  thee. 

Accept  not  a  friendship  with  him  who  hath  injured 
thee  :  he  who  suffereth  the  wrong  may  forgive  it ;  but 
he  who  doeth  it  never  will  be  well  with  him. 

Lay  not  too  great  obligations  on  him  thou  wishest  to 
be  thy  friend  ;  behold  the  sense  of  them  will  drive  him 
from  thee  :  a  little  benefit  gaineth  friendship  ;  a  great 
one  maketh  an  enemy. 

Nevertheless  ingratitude  is  not  the  nature  of  man, 
neither  is  his  anger  irreconcileable  :  he  hateth  to  be  put 
in  mind  of  a  debt  he  cannot  pay  :  he  is  ashamed  in  the 
presence  of  him  whom  he  hath  injured. 

Repine  not  at  the  good  of  a  stranger,  neither  rejoice 
thou  in  the  evil  that  befalleth  thine  enemy  :  wishest  thou 
that  others  should  do  thus  by  thee  ? 

Wouldest  thou  enjoy  the  good-will  of  all  men,  let 
thine  own  benevolence  be  universal.  If  thou  obtainest 
it  not  by  this,  no  other  means  could  give  it  thee  ;  and 
know,  though  thou  hast  it  not,  thou  hast  the  greater 
pleasure  of  having  merited  it. 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE.  339 

CHAPTER    VII. 
PRESUMPTION. 

PRIDE  and  meanness  seem  incompatible  ;  but  man  re- 
concileth  contrarieties  :  he  is  at  once  the  most  miserable 
and  the  most  arrogant  of  all  creatures. 

Presumption  is  the  bane  of  reason — it  is  the  nurse  of 
error  :  yet  it  is  congenial  with  reason  in  us. 

Who  is  there  that  judgeth  not  either  too  highly  of 
himself,  or  thinketh  too  meanly  of  others  ? 

Our  Creator  himself  escapeth  not  our  presumption, 
how  then  shall  we  be  sale  from  one  another  ? 

What  is  the  origin  of  superstition  ?  and  whence  arises 
false  worship  ?  From  our  presuming  to  reason  about 
what  is  above  our  reach — to  comprehend  what  is  incom- 
prehensible. 

Limited  and  weak  as  our  understandings  are,  we  em- 
ploy not  even  their  little  forces  as  we  ought ;  we  soar 
not  high  enough  in  our  approaches  to  God's  greatness : 
we  give  not  wing  enough  to  our  ideas,  when  we  enter 
into  the  adoration  of  the  Divinity. 

Man,  who  fears  to  breathe  a  whisper  against  his 
earthly  sovereign,  trembles  not  to  arraign  the  dispensa- 
tion of  his  God  :  he  forgeteth  his  majesty,  and  rejudgeth 
his  judgments. 

He  who  dareth  not  repeat  the  name  of  his  prince 
without  honor,  yet  blusheth  not  to  call  that  of  his  Crea- 
tor to  be  witness  to  a  lie. 

He  who  would  hear  the  sentence  of  the  magistrate 
with  silence,  yet  dareth  to  plead  with  the  Eternal :  he 
attempteth  to  soothe  him  with  entreaties  ;  to  flatter  him 


340  ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE. 

with  promises ;  to  agree  with  him  upon  conditions ;  nay 
to  brave  and  murmur  at  him,  if  his  request  be  not 
granted. 

Why  art  thou  not  punished,  Oh  man  !  in  thy  impiety, 
but  that  it  is  not  thy  day  of  retribution  ? 

Be  not  like  unto  those  who  fight  with  the  thunder, 
nor  dare  thou  to  deny  thy  Creator  thy  prayers,  because 
be  chastiseth  thee  :  thy  madness  is  on  thine  own  head 
in  this — thy  impiety  hurteth  no  one  but  thyself. 

Why  boasteth  man  that  he  is  the  favorite  of  his 
Maker ;  yet  neglecteth  to  pay  his  thanks,  his  adorations 
for  it  ?  How  suiteth  such  a  life  with  a  belief  so  haughty  ? 

Man,  who  is  truly  but  a  mote  in  the  wide  expanse, 
believeth  the  whole  earth  and  heaven  created  for  him  ; 
he  thinketh  the  whole  frame  of  nature  hath  interest  in 
his  well-being. 

As  the  fool,  while  the  images  tremble  on  the  bosom 
of  the  water,  thinketh  that  trees,  towns,  and  the  wide 
horizon  are  dancing  to  do  him  pleasure  :  so  man,  while 
Nature  performs  her  destined  course,  believes  that  all 
her  motions  are  but  to  enterain  his  eye. 

Wheile  he  courts  the  rays  of  the  sun  to  warm  him, 
he  supposeth  it  made  only  to  be  of  use  to  him  ;  while 
he  traceth  the  moon  in  her  nightly  path,  he  believeth 
she  was  created  to  do  him  pleasure. 

Fool  to  thine  own  pride,  be  humble  !  know  thou  art 
not  the  cause  why  the  world  holdeth  its  course  :  for 
thee  are  not  made  the  vicissitudes  of  summer  and  winter. 

Nor  change  would  follow  if  thy  whole  race  existed 
not :  thou  art  but  one  among  millions  that  are  blessed  in  it. 


ECONOMY    OF    HITMAN    LIFE.  341 

Exalt  not  thyself  so  the  heavens,  for,  lo !  the  angels 
are  above  thee;  nor  disdain  thy  fellow-inhabitants  of  the 
earth,  for  that  they  are  beneath  thee ;  are  they  not  the 
work  of  the  same  hand  ? 

Thou  who  art  happy  by  the  mercy  of  thy  Creator, 
how  darest  thou  in  wantoness  put  others  of  his  creatures 
to  torture  ?  Beware  that  it  return  not  upon  thee. 

Serve  they  not  all  the  same  nniversal  Master  with 
thee?  Hath  he  not  appointed  unto  each  its  law?  Hath 
he  not  care  of  their  preservation  ?  and  darest  thou  to 
infringe  it  ? 

Set  not  thy  judgment  above  that  of  all  the  earth, 
neither  condemn  as  falsehood  what  agreeth  not  with 
thine  own  apprehension.  Who  gave  thee  the  power  of 
determining  for  others  ?  or  who  took  from  the  world  the 
right  of  choice  ? 

How  many  things  have  been  rejected  which  are  now 
received  as  truthes  ?  How  many  now  received  as  truths 
shall  in  their  turn  be  despised  ?  of  what  then  can  man 
be  certain  ? 

Do  the  good  that  thou  knowest,  and  happiness  shall 
be  unto  thee ;  virtue  is  more  thy  business  here  than 
wisdom. 

Truth  and  falsehood,  have  they  not  the  same  appear- 
ance in  what  we  understand  not  ?  What  then  but  our 
presumption  can  determine  between  them  ? 

We  easily  believe  what  is  above  our  comprehension ; 
or  we  are  proud  to  pretend  it,  that  we  may  appear  to 
have  understanding :  is  not  this  folly  and  arrogance  ? 

Who  is  it  that  affirms  most  boldly  ?     Who  is  it  that 


342  ECONOMY    OP     HUMAN    LIFE. 

holds  his  opinion  most  obstinately  ?  even  he  who  hath 
most  ignorance,  for  he  also  hath  most  pride. 

Every  man  when  he  layeth  hold  of  an  opinion  de- 
sireth  to  maintain  it :  but  most  of  all,  he  who  hath  mos' 
presumption :  he  contenteth  not  himself  to  betray  his 
own  soul  into  it,  but  he  will  impose  it  on  others  to  be- 
lieve in  it  also. 

Say  not  that  truth  is  established  by  years,  or  that  in 
a  multitude  of  believers  there  is  certainty. 

One  human  proposition  hath  as  much  authority  as 
another,  if  reason  maketh  not  the  difference. 


OF  THE  AFFECTIONS  OF  MAN    WHICH  ARE  HURTFUL 
TO  HIMSELF  AND  OTHERS. 

CHAPTER   1. 

COVETOUSNESS. 

RICHES  are  not  worthy  a  strong  attention ;  an  earnest 
care  of  obtaining  them  is  therefore  unjustifiable. 

The  desire  of  what  man  calleth  good,  the  joy  he  taketh 
in  possessing  it,  is  grounded  only  in  opinion  ;  take  not 
that  up  from  the  vulgar :  examine  the  worth  of  things 
thyself,  and  thou  shalt  not  be  covetous. 

An  immoderate  desire  of  riches  is  a  poison  lodged  in 
the  soul :  it  contaminates  and  destroys  very  thing  that 
is  good  in  it :  it  is  no  sooner  rooted  there,  than  all  vir- 
tue, and  honesty,  all  natural  affection,  fly  before  the  face 
of  it. 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFK.  343 

The  covetous  would  sell  his  children  for  gold ;  his 
parents  might  die  ere  he  would  open  his  coffer — nay,  he 
considereth  not  himself  in  respect  of  it ;  in  the  search 
of  happiness  he  maketh  himself  unhappy. 

As  the  man  who  selleth  his  house  to  purchase  orna- 
ments for  the  embellishment  of  it ;  even  so  is  he  who 
giveth  up  peace  in  the  search  of  riches,  in  hope  that  he 
may  be  happy  in  enjoying  them. 

Where  covetousness  reigneth,  know  that  the  soul  is 
poor.  Whoso  accounteth  not  riches  the  principal  good 
of  man,  will  not  throw  away  all  other  goods  in  the  pur- 
suit of  them. 

Whoso  feareth  not  poverty  as  the  greatest  evil  of  his 
nature,  will  not  purchase  to  himself  all  other  evils  in 
the  avoiding  of  it. 

Thou  fool,  is  not  virtue  more  worth  than  riches  ?  Is 
not  guilt  more  base  than  poverty  ?  Enough  for  his  ne- 
cessities is  the  power  of  every  man  :  be  content  with  it, 
and  thy  happiness  shall  smile  at  the  sorrows  of  him  who 
heapeth  up  more. 

Nature  hath  hid  gold  beneath  the  earth,  as  unworthy 
to  be  seen  :  silver  hath  she  placed  where  thou  tramplest 
it  under  thy  feet ;  meaneth  she  not  by  this  to  inform 
thee,  that  gold  is  not  worthy  of  thy  regard — that  silver 
is  beneath  thy  notice  ? 

Covetousness  burieth  under  the  ground  millions  of 
wretches  ;  they  dig  for  their  hard  masters  what  return- 
eth  the  injury — what  maketh  them  more  miserable  than 
these  their  slaves. 

The  earth  is  barren  of  good  things  where  she  hoard- 


344  ECONOMY    OF    HTTMAN    LIFE. 


eth  up  treasure  ;  where  gold  is  in  her  bowels,  there  no 
herb  groweth. 

As  the  horse  findeth  not  there  his  grass  nor  the  mule 
his  provender — as  the  fields  of  corn  laugh  not  on  the 
sides  of  the  hills — as  the  olive  holdeth  not  forth  there 
her  fruits,  nor  the  vine  her  clusters  ;  even  so  no  good 
dwelleth  in  the  breast  of  him  whose  heart  broodeth  over 
his  treasure. 

Riches  are  servants  to  the  wise  ;  but  they  are  tyrants 
over  the  soul  of  the  fool. 

The  covetous  serveth  his  gold — it  serveth  not  him  , 
he  possesseth  his  wealth  as  the  sick  doth  a  fever ;  it 
burneth  and  tortureth  him,  and  ^j]]  not;  qtflt  him.  until 
death. 

Hath  not  gold  destroyed  the  virtue  of  millions  ?  Did 
it  ever  add  to  the  goodness  of  any  ? 

Is  it  not  most  abundant  with  the  worst  of  men  ? 
wherefore  then  shouldest  thou  desire  to  be  distinguished 
by  possessing  it? 

Have  not  the  wisest  been  those  who  have  had  the 
least  of  it ;  and  is  not  wisdom  happiness  ? 

Have  not  the  worst  of  thy  species  possessed  the  great- 
est portions  of  it  ?  and  hath  not  their  end  been  miserable  ? 

Poverty  wanteth  many  things,  but  covetousness  de- 
nieth  itself  all. 

The  covetous  can  be  good  to  no  man  ;  but  he  is  to 
none  so  cruel  as  to  himself. 

Be  industrious  to  procure  gold,  and  be  generous  in 
the  disposal  of  it :  man  never  is  so  happy  as  when  he 
giveth  happiness  unto  another. 


ECONOMY    OP    HUMAN    LIFE.  345 

CHATER   I  I. 

PROFUSION. 

IF  there  be  a  vice  greater  than  the  hoarding  of  riches, 
it  is  the  employing  them  to  useless  purposes. 

He  that  prodigally  lavisheth  that  which  he  hath  to 
spare,  robbeth  the  poor  of  what  nature  giveth  them  a 
right  unto. 

He  who  squandereth  away  his  treasure,  refuseth  the 
means  to  do  good  :  he  denieth  himself  the  practice  of 
virtues,  whose  reward  is  in  their  hand,  whose  end  is  no 
other  than  his  own  happiness. 

It  is  more  difficult  to  be  well  with  riches,  than  to  be 
at  ease  under  the  want  of  them ;  man  governeth  himself 
much  easier  in  poverty  than  in  abundance. 

Poverty  requireth  but  one  virtue,  patience,  to  sup- 
port it :  the  rich,  if  he  have  no  charity,  temperance, 
prudence,  and  many  more,  is  guilty. 

The  poor  hath  only  the  good  of  his  own  state  com- 
mitted unto  him  ;  the  rich  is  entrusted  with  the  welfare 
of  thousands. 

He  who  giveth  away  his  treasure  wisely  giveth  away 
his  plagues  ;  he  that  retaineth  their  increase  heapeth  up 
sorrows. 

Refuse  not  unto  the  stranger  that  which  he  wanteth  : 
deny  not  unto  thy  brother  even  that  which  thou  wantest 
thyself. 

Know  there  is  more  delight  in  being  without  what 
thou  has  given,  than  in  possessing  millions  which  thou 
Icnowest  not  the  use  of. 


346  ECONOMY    OF     HUMAN    LIFE. 

CHAPTER    III. 

REVENGE. 

THE  root  of  revenge  is  the  weakness  of  the  soul ; 
the  most  abject  and  timorous  are  the  most  addicted  to  it. 

Who  torture  those  they  hate  but  cowards  ?  Who 
murder  those  they  rob  but  women  ? 

The  feeling  an  injury  must  be  previous  to  the  reveng- 
ing it ;  but  the  noble  mind  disdaineth  to  say — '  It  hurts 
me.' 

If  the  injury  is  not  below  thy  notice,  he  that  doeth  it 
unto  thee  maketh  himself  so :  wouldst  thou  enter  the 
lists  with  thine  inferior  ? 

Disdain  the  man  who  attempteth  to  wrong  thee  ;  con- 
temn him  who  would  give  thee  disquiet. 

In  this  thou  not  only  preservest  thine  own  peace,  but 
thou  inflictest  all  the  punishment  of  revenge,  without 
stooping  to  employ  it  against  him. 

As  the  tempest  and  the  thunder  affect  not  the  sun  or 
the  stars,  but  spend  their  fury  on  stones  and  trees  below, 
so  injuries  ascend  not  to  the  souls  of  the  great,  but 
waste  themselves  on  those  who  offer  them. 

Poorness  of  spirit  will  actuate  revenge  ;  greatness  of 
soul  despiseth  the  offence,  nay  it  doth  good  unto  him 
who  intended  to  have  disturbed  it. 

Why  seekest  thou  vengeance,  Oh  man  ?  with  what 
purpose  is  it  that  thou  pursuest  it  ?  thinkest  thou  to 
pain  thine  adversary  by  it  ?  know  that  thyself  feelest  its 
greatest  torment. 

Revenge  gnaweth  the  heart  of  him  who  is  infected 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE.  347 

with  it ;  while  he  against  whom  it  is  intended  remaineth 
easy. 

It  is  unjust  in  the  anguish  it  inflicts ;  therefore  nature 
intended  it  not  for  thee  :  needeth  he  who  is  injured  more 
pain  ?  or  ought  he  to  add  force  to  the  affliction  which 
another  hath  cast  upon  him  ? 

The  man  who  meditateth  revenge  is  not  content  with 
the  mischief  he  hath  received  :  he  added  to  his  anguish 

O 

the  punishment  due  unto  another ;  while  he  whom  he 
seeketh  to  hurt  goeth  his  way  laughing :  he  maketh 
himself  merry  at  this  addition  to  his  misery. 

Revenge  is  painful  in  the  intent,  and  it  is  dangerous 
in  Ihe  execution :  seldom  doth  the  axe  fall  where  he 
who  lifted  it  up  intended ;  and  he  remembereth  not  that 
it  may  recoil  against  him. 

Whilst  the  revengeful  seeketh  his  enemies'  hurt,  he 
oftentimes  procureth  his  own  destruction  ;  while  he 
aimeth  at  one  of  the  eyes  of  his  adversary,  lo !  he  put- 
teth  out  both  his  own. 

If  he  attain  not  his  end,  he  lamenteth  it ;  if  he  suc- 
ceed, he  repenteth  of  it.  The  fear  of  justice  taketh 
away  the  peace  of  his  own  soul ;  the  care  to  hide  him 
from  it  destroyeth  that  of  his  friend. 

Can  the  death  of  thine  adversary  satiate  thy  hatred  ? 
Can  the  setting  him  at  rest  restore  thy  peace  ? 

Wouldst  thou  make  him  sorry  for  his  offence,  conquer 
him  and  spare  him  ;  in  death  he  owneth  not  thy  supe- 
riority, nor  feeleth  he  more  the  power  of  thy  wrath. 

In  revenge  there  should  be  a  triumph  of  the  avenger ; 
and  he  who  hath  injured  him  should  feel  his  displeas- 


348  ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE. 


ure  ;  he  should  suffer  pain  from  it ;  and  should  repent 
him  of  the  cause. 

This  is  the  revenge  inspired  from  anger  ;  but  that 
which  maketh  the  greatest  is  contempt. 

Murder  for  an  injury  ariseth  only  from  cowardice  ;  he 
who  inflicteth  it  feareth  that  the  enemy  may  live  and 
avenge  himself. 

Death  endeth  the  quarrel,  but  it  restore th  not  the 
reputation  :  Killing  is  an  act  of  caution,  not  of  courage  ; 
it  is  safe,  but  it  is  not  honorable. 

There  is  nothing  so  easy  as  to  revenge  an  offence ; 
but  nothing  is  so  honorable  as  to  pardon  it. 

The  greatest  victory  a  man  can  obtain  is  over  him- 
self: he  that  disdaineth  to  feel  an  injury  retorteth  it 
upon  him  who  offereth  it. 

When  thou  meditatest  revenge,  thou  confessest  that 
thou  feelest  the  wrong :  when  thou  complainest,  thou 
acknowledgest  thyself  hurt  by  it ;  meanest  thou  to  add 
this  triumph  to  the  pride  of  thine  enemy  ? 

That  cannot  be  an  injury  which  is  not  felt :  how  then 
can  he  who  despiseth  it  revenge  it  ? 

If  thou  think  it  dishonorable  to  bear  an  offence, 
more  is  in  thy  power — thou  mayest  conquer  it  ? 

Good  offices  will  make  a  man  ashamed  to  be  thine 
enemy.  Greatness  of  soul  will  terrify  him  from  the 
thought  of  hurting  thee. 

The  greater  the  wrong,  the  more  glory  is  in  pardon- 
ing it ;  and  by  how  much  more  justifiable  would  be 
revenge,  by  so  much  the  more  honor  is  in  clemency. 

Hast  thou  a  right  to  be  a  judge  in  thine  own  cause  ; 


ECONOMY    OP    HUMAN    LIFE.  349 

to  be  a  party  in  the  act,  and  yet  to  pronounce  sentence 
on  it  ?  Before  thou  condemnest,  let  another  say,  it  is 
just. 

CHAPTER   IV. 

CRUELTY,  HATRED,  AND  ENVY. 

REVENGE  is  detestable  :  what  then  is  cruelty  ?  lo !  it 
possesseth  the  mischiefs  of  the  other,  but  it  wanteth 
even  the  pretence  of  its  provocations. 

Men  disown  it  as  not  of  their  nature :  they  are 
ashamed  of  it  as  a  stranger  to  their  hearts.  Do  they 
not  call  it  inhumanity  ? 

Whence  then  is  her  origin  ?  unto  what  that  is  human 
oweth  she  her  existence  ?  Her  father  is  Fear,  and  be- 
hold Dismay,  is  it  not  her  mother  ? 

The  hero  lifteth  his  sword  against  the  enemy  that 
resisteth  ;  but  no  sooner  doth  he  submit  than  he  is 
satisfied. 

It  is  not  in  honor  to  trample  on  the  object  that  feareth ; 
it  is  not  in  virtue  to  insult  what  is  beneath  it ;  subdue 
the  insolent  and  spare  the  humble,  and  thou  art  at  the 
height  of  victory. 

He  who  wanteth  virtue  to  arrive  at  this  end ;  he  who 
hath  not  courage  to  ascend  thus  into  it ;  lo  !  he  sup- 
plieth  the  place  of  conquest  by  murder,  of  sovereignty 
by  slaughter. 

He  who  feareth  all  striketh  at  all :  why  are  tyrants 
cruel,  but  because  they  live  in  terror  ? 

The  cur  will  tear  the  carcass,  though  he  dare  not  look 


350  ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE. 

it  in  the  face  while  living ;  but  the  hound  that  hunteth 
it  to  death  mangleth  it  not  afterwards. 

Civil  wars  are  the  most  bloody,  because  those  who 
fight  in  them  are  cowards.  Conspirators  are  murderers, 
because  in  death  there  is  silence.  Is  it  not  fear  that 
telleth  them  they  may  be  betrayed  ? 

That  thou  mayest  not  be  cruel,  set  thyself  too  higjh 
for  hatred  :  that  thou  mayest  not  be  inhuman,  place  thy- 
self above  the  reach  of  envy. 

Every  man  may  be  viewed  in  two  lights  :  in  one  he 
will  be  troublesome,  in  the  other  less  offensive  :  choose 
to  see  him  in  that  in  which  he  least  hurteth  thee,  then 
shah  thou  not  do  hurt  unto  him. 

What  is  there  that  a  man  may  not  turn  unto  his  good  ? 
In  that  which  offendeth  us  most,  there  is  more  ground 
for  complaint  than  hatred.  Man  would  be  reconciled  to 
him  of  whom  he  complained :  what  murdereth  he  but 
what  he  hateth  ? 

If  thou  art  prevented  of  a  benefit,  fly  not  into  rage  : 
the  loss  of  thy  reason  is  the  want  of  a  greater. 

Because  thou  art  robbed  of  thy  cloak,  wouldst  thou 
strip  thyself  of  thy  coat  also  ? 

When  thou  enviest  the  man  who  possesseth  honors — 
when  his  titles  and  his  greatness  raise  thy  indignation, 
seek  to  know  whence  they  came  unto  him  ;  inquire  by 
what  means  he  was  possessed  of  them,  and  thine  envy 
will  be  turned  into  pity. 

If  the  same  fortune  were  offered  unto  thee  at  the  same 
price,  be  assured,  if  thou  wert  wise,  thou  wouldest  re- 
fuse it. 


ECONOMY    OP    HUMAN    LIFE.  35! 

What  is  the  pay  for  titles  but  flattery  ?  how  doth  man 
purchase  power,  but  by  being  a  slave  to  him  who 
giveth  it 

Wouldst  thou  lose  thine  own  liberty,  to  be  able  to 
take  away  that  of  another  ?  or  canst  thou  envy  him  who 
doth  so  ? 

Man  purchaseth  nothing  of  his  superiors  but  for  a 
price ;  and  that  price,  is  it  not  more  than  the  value  ? 
Wouldst  thou  pervert  the  customs  of  the  world  ?  wouldst 
thou  have  the  purchase  and  the  price  also  ? 

As  thou  canst  not  envy  what  thou  wouldst  not  nrfvpt, 
disdain  this  cause  of  hatred,  and  drive  from  tby  »i»ul 
this  occasion  of  the  parent  of  cruelty. 

If  thou  possessest  honor,  canst  thou  envy  that  which 
is  obtained  at  the  expense  of  it  ?  If  thou  knowest  the 
value  of  virtue,  pitiest  thou  not  those  who  have  bartered 
it  so  meanly  ? 

When  thou  hast  taught  thyself  to  hear  the  seeming 
good  of  men  without  repining,  thou  wilt  hear  of  their 
real  happiness  with  pleasure. 

If  thou  seest  good  things  fall  to  one  who  deservest 
them,  thou  wilt  rejoice  in  it ;  for  virtue  is  happy  in  the 
prosperity  of  the  virtuous. 

He  who  rejoiceth  in  the  happiness  of  another  in- 
creaseth  by  it  his  own. 

CHAPTER    V. 

HEAVINESS    OF    HEART. 

THE  soul  of  the  cheerful  forceth  a  smile  upon  the 


352  ECONOMY    OF     HUMAN     LIFE. 

face  of  affliction ;  but  the  despondence  of  the  sad  dea  d 
eneth  even  the  brightness  of  joy. 

What  is  the  source  of  sadness  but  a  feebleness  of  the 
soul  ?  What  givefh  it  power  but  the  want  of  spirit  ? 
Rouse  thyself  to  the  combat,  and  she  quitteth  the  field 
before  thou  strikest. 

She  is  an  enemy  to  thy  race  ;  therefore  drive  her 
from  thy  heart :  she  poisoneth  the  sweets  of  thy  life, 
therefore  suffer  her  not  to  enter  thy  dwelling. 

She  raiseth  the  loss  of  a  straw  to  the  destruction  of 
thy  fortune  ;  while  she  vexeth  thy  soul  about  trifles, 
she  rcbbeth  thee  of  thine  attention  to  the  things  of  con- 
Sequence  :  behold,  she  but  prophesieth  what  she  seem- 
eth  to  relate  unto  thee. 

She  spreadeth  drowsiness  as  a  veil  over  thy  virtues — 
she  hideth  them  from  those  who  would  honor  thee  on 
beholding  them — she  entangleth  and  keepeth  them 
down,  while  she  maketh  it  most  necessary  for  thee  to 
exert  them. 

Lo,  she  oppresseth  thee  with  evil ;  and  she  tieth  down 
thine  hands,  when  they  would  throw  the  load  from  off 
thee. 

If  thou  wouldst  avoid  what  is  base — if  thou  wouldst 
disdain  what  is  cowardly — if  thou  wouldst  drive  from 
thy  heart  what  is  unjust,  suffer  not  sadness  to  lay  hold 
upon  it. 

Suffer  it  not  to  cover  itself  with  the  face  of  piety  :  let 
it  not  deceive  thee  with  a  show  of  wisdom.  Religion 
payeth  honor  to  thy  Maker ;  let  it  not  be  colored  with 
melancholy :  wisdom  maketh  thee  happy ;  know  then 
that  sorrow  in  her  sight  is  as  a  stranger. 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE. 

For  what  should  man  be  sorrowful,  but  for  afflictions? 
Why  should  his  heart  give  up  joy,  when  the  causes  of 
it  are  not  removed  from  him  ?  Is  not  this  being  misera- 
ble for  the  sake  of  misery  ? 

As  the  mourner  who  looketh  sad  because  he  is  hired 
to  do  so,  who  weepeth  because  his  tears -are  paid  for; 
such  is  the  man  who  suffereth  his  heart  to  be  sad,  not 
because  he  suffereth  aught,  but  because  he  is  gloomy. 

It  is  not  the  occasion  that  produceth  the  sorrow  ;  for 
behold,  the  same  thing  shall  be  to  another  rejoicing. 

Ask  men  if  their  sadness  maketh  things  the  better, 
and  themselves  will  confess  to  thee  that  it  is  folly  ;  nay, 
they  will  praise  him  who  beareth  his  ills  with  patience, 
who  maketh  head  against  misfortune  with  courage  :  ap- 
plause shall  be  followed  by  imitation. 

Sadness  is  against  Nature,  for  it  troubleth  her  mo- 
tions :  lo  !  it  rendereth  distasteful  whatsoever  she  hath 
made  amiable. 

As  the  oak  falleth  before  the  tempest,  and  raiseth  not 
its  head  again  :  so  boweth  the  heart  of  man  to  the  force 
of  sadness,  and  returneth  unto  his  strength  no  more. 

As  the  snow  melteth  upon  the  mountains  from  the 
rain  that  trickleth  down  their  sides,  even  so  is  beauty 
washed  from  off  the  cheeks  by  tears ;  and  neither  the 
one  nor  the  otr  er  restoreth  itself  again  for  ever. 

As  the  pearl  is  dissolved  by  the  vinegar,  which  scem- 
eth  at  first  only  to  obscure  its  surface  ;  so  is  thy  happi- 
ness, oh  man  !  swallowed  up  by  heaviness  of  heart, 
though  at  first  it  seemeth  only  to  cover  it  with  its 

shadow. 

23 


354  ECONOMY    OF     HUMAN    LIFE. 

Behold  Sadness  in  the  public  streets :  cast  thine  eyes 
upon  her  in  the  places  of  resort — doth  any  look  upon 
her  ?  avoideth  she  not  every  one  ?  and  doth  not  every 
one  flee  from  her  presence  ? 

See  how  she  droopeth  her  head,  like  the  flower  whose 
root  is  cut  asunder  ;  see  how  she  fixeth  her  eyes  upon 
the  earth — see  how  they  serve  her  to  no  purpose  but 
for  weeping. 

Is  there  in  her  mouth  discourse  ?  is  there  in  her  heart 
the  love  of  society  ?  is  there  in  her  soul  reason  ?  Ask 
her  the  cause,  and  she  knoweth  it  not :  inquire  the  oc- 
casion, and  behold  there  is  none. 

Yet  doth  her  strength  fail  her :  lo !  at  length  she 
sinketh  into  the  grave,  and  no  one  sayeth,  what  is  be- 
come of  her  ? 

Hast  thou  understanding,  and  seest  thou  not  this  ? 
Hast  thou  piety,  and  perceivest  thou  not  thine  error  ? 

God  created  thee  in  mercy ;  had  he  not  intended  thce 
to  be  happy,  his  beneficence  would  not  have  called  thee 
into  existence  :  how  darest  thou  then  fly  in  the  face  of 
his  Majesty? 

While  thou  art  most  happy  with  inntcence,  thou  dost 
him  most  honor ;  and  what  is  thy  discontent  but  mur- 
muring against  him  ?  Created  he  not  all  things  liable  to 
change  ?  and  darest  thou  to  weep  at  their  changing? 

If  we  know  the  law  of  nature,  wherefore  do  we  com- 
plain of  it  ? — if  we  are  ignorant  of  it,  what  should  we 
accuse  but  our  blindness  to  what  every  moment  giveth 
us  proof  of  it  ? 

Know  that  it  is  not  thou  that  art  to  give  laws  to  the 


ECONOMY    OP    HUMAN    LIFE.  355 

world ;  thy  peart  is  to  submit  to  them  as  thou  findest 
them  ;  if  they  distress  thee,  thy  lamenting  it  but  ad- 
deth  to  thy  torment. 

Be  not  deceived  with  fair  pretences,  nor  suppose  that 
sorrow  healeth  misfortune  :  it  is  a  poison  under  the  color 
of  a  remedy  :  while  it  pretendeth  to  draw  the  arrow 
from  thy  breast,  lo !  it  plungeth  it  into  thine  heart. 

While  sadness  separateth  thee  from  thy  friends,  doth 
it  not  say  thou  art  unfit  for  conversation  ?  while  it  driv- 
eth  thee  into  corners,  doth  it  not  proclaim  that  it  is 
ashamed  of  itself? 

It  is  not  in  thy  nature  to  meet  the  arrows  of  ill  fortune 
unhurt,  nor  doth  reason  require  it  of  thee :  it  is  thy 
duty  to  bear  misfortune  like  a  man  ;  but  thou  must  first 
also  feel  it  like  one. 

Tears  may  drop  from  thine  eyes,  though  virtue  falleth 
not  from  thine  heart :  be  thou  careful  only  that  there  is 
cause,  and  that  they  flow  not  too  abundantly. 

The  greatness  of  the  evil  is  not  to  be  reckoned  from 
the  number  of  tears  shed  for  it ;  the  greatest  griefs  are 
above  these  testimonies,  as  the  greatest  joys  are  beyond 
utterance. 

What  is  there  that  weakeneth  the  soul  like  grief  ? 
What  depresseth  it  like  sadness? 

Is  the  sorrowful  prepared  for  noble  enterprise  ?  or 
armeth  he  himself  in  the  cause  of  virtue  ? 

Subject  not  thyself  to  ills,  where  there  are  in  return 
no  advantages ;  neither  sacrifice  thou  the  means  of  good 
unto  that  which  is  in  itself  an  evil. 


£56  ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFB. 

OP  THE  ADVANTAGES  MAN  MAY  ACQUIRE  OVER  HIS 
FELLOW  CREATURES. 

CHAPTER   I. 

NOBILITY    AND     HONOR. 

NOBILITY  resideth  not  but  in  the  soul,  nor  is  there  true 
honor  except  in  virtue. 

The  favor  of  Princes  may  be  bought  by  vice,  rank 
and  title  may  be  purchased  for  money  ?  but  these  are 
not  true  honors. 

Crimes  cannot  exalt  a  man  to  real  glory  ;  neither  can 
gold  make  men  noble. 

When  titles  are  the  reward  of  virtue — when  he  is  set 
on  high,  who  hath  served  his  country,  lie  who  bestow- 
eth  the  honors  hath  glory,  like  as  he  who  receiveth 
them,  and  the  world  is  oenefited  thereby. 

Wouldst  thou  wish  to  be  raised,  and  men  know  not 
for  what  ?  or  wouldst  thou  that  they  should  say,  why 
is  this  ? 

When  the  virtues  of  the  hero  descend  to  his  children, 
his  titles  accompany  them :  well — but  when  he  who 
possesseth  them  is  unlike  to  him  who  deserveth  them — 
lo  !  do  they  not  call  him  degenerate  ? 

Hereditary  honor  is  accounted  the  most  noble  :  but 
reason  speaketh  in  the  cause  of  him  who  hath  ac- 
quired it. 

He  who,  meritless  himself,  appealeth  to  the  actions  of 
his  ancestors  for  his  greatness,  is  like  the  thief  who 
claimeth  protection  by  flying  to  the  pagoda. 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFK.  357 

What  good  is  it  to  the  blind  that  his  parents  could 
see  ?  What  benefit  is  it  to  the  dumb  that  his  grand- 
father was  eloquent?  even  so  what  is  it  to  the  mean 
that  their  predecessors  were  noble  ? 

A  mind  disposed  to  virtue  maketh  great  the  possessor 
of  it ;  and  without  titles  it  will  raise  him  above  the 
vulgar. 

He  will  acquire  honor  while  others  receive  it :  and 
will  he  not  say  unto  them — Such  were  the  men  whom 
ye  glory  in  being  derived  from  ? 

As  the  shadow  waiteth  on  the  substance,  even  so  true 
honor  attendeth  upon  virtue. 

Say  not  that  honor  is  the  child  of  boldness,  nor  be- 
lieve thou  that  the  hazard  of  life  alone  can  pay  the  price 
of  it :  it  is  not  to  the  action  that  it  is  due,  but  to  the 
manner  of  performing  it. 

All  are  not  called  to  the  guiding  the  helm  of  state  ; 
neither  are  armies  to  be  commanded  by  every  one ;  do 
well  in  that  which  is  committed  to  thy  charge,  and 
praise  shall  remain  unto  thec. 

Say  not  that  difficulties  are  necessary  to  be  conquer- 
ed ;  or  that  labor  and  danger  must  be  in  the  way  to 
renown  :  the  woman  who  is  chaste,  is  she  not  praised  ? 
the  man  who  is  honest,  deserveth  he  not  to  be  'Honored  ? 

The  thirst  of  fame  is  violent ;  the  desire  <  f  honor  is 
powerful :  and  he  who  gave  thena  to  us  g?  /e  them  for 
great  purposes. 

When  desperate  actions  are  necessary  to  the  public  ; 
when  our  lives  are  to  be  exposed  for  the  good  of  our 
country,  what  can  add  force  to  virtue  but  ambition. 


358  ECONOMY    OF     HUMAN    LIFE. 

It  is  not  the  receiving  honor  that  delighteth  a  noble 
mind  :  its  pride  is  the  deserving  it. 

Is  it  not  better  men  should  say,  why  hath  not  this 
man  a  statue  ?  than  that  they  should  ask  why  he  hath 
one  ? 

The  ambitious  will  always  be  first  in  the  crowd  ;  he 
presseth  forward,  he  looketh  not  behind  him  :  more  an- 
guish is  it  to  his  soul  to  see  one  before  him,  than  joy  to 
leave  thousands  at  a  distance. 

The  root  of  ambition  is  in  every  man,  but  it  riseth 
not  in  all ;  fear  keepeth  it  down  in  some  ;  in  many  it  is 
suppressed  by  modesty. 

It  is  the  inner  garment  of  the  soul :  the  first  thing 
put  on  by  it  with  the  flesh,  and  the  last  it  layeth  down 
at  its  separation  from  it. 

Tt  is  an  honor  to  thy  nature  when  worthily  employed  . 
when  thou  directest  it  to  wrong  purposes,  it  shameth 
and  destroyeth  thee. 

In  the  breast  of  the  traitor  ambition  is  covered  ;  Hy- 
pocrisy hideth  his  face  under  her  mantle,  and  cool  Dis- 
simulation furnisheth  her  with  smooth  words  ;  but  in 
the  end  men  shall  see  what  she  is. 

The  serpent  loseth  not  his  sting,  though  benumbed 
with  the  frost;  the  tooth  of  the  viper  is  not  broken, 
though  the  cold  closeth  his  mouth  :  take  pity  on  his 
state,  and  he  will  shew  thee  this  spirit ;  warm  him  in 
thy  bosom,  and  he  will  requite  thee  with  death. 

He  that  is  truly  virtuous  loveth  Virtue  for  herself; 
he  disdaineth  the  applause  which  Ambition  aimcth 
after. 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE.  359 

How  pitiable  were  the  state  of  Virtue,  if  she  could 
not  be  happy  but  from  another's  praise  ?  She  is  too 
noble  to  seek  rccompence,  and  no  more  will  than  can  be 
rewarded. 

The  higher  the  sun  riseth  the  less  shadow  doth  he 
make  ;  even  so  the  greater  is  the  virtue,  the  less  doth  it 
covet  praise  ;  yet  cannot  it  aroid  its  rewards  in  honors. 

Glory,  like  a  shadow,  flieth  him  whopursueth  it ;  but 
it  followeth  at  the  heels  of  him  who  would  fly  from  it ; 
if  thou  courtest  it  without  merit,  thou  shalt  never  attain 
unto  it :  if  thou  deservest  it,  though  thou  hidest  thyself, 
it  will  never  forsake  thee. 

Pursue  that  which  is  honorable,  do  that  which  is 
right ;  and  the  applause  of  thine  own  conscience  will  be 
more  joy  to  thee  than  the  shouts  of  millions  who  know 
not  that  thou  deserrest  them. 

CHATER   I  I. 

SCIENCE    AND     LEARNING. 

THE  noblest  employment  of  the  mind  of  man  is  the 
study  of  the  works  of  his  Creator. 

To  him  whom  the  science  of  nature  delighteth  every 
object  bringeth  a  proof  of  God  ;  and  every  thing  that 
proveth  this  giveth  cause  of  adoration. 

His  mind  is  lifted  up  to  heaven  every  moment ;  his 
life  is  one  continual  act  of  devotion. 

Casteth  he  his  eyes  towards  the  clouds,  findeth  he  not 
the  heavens  full  of  wonders  ?  Looketh  he  down  to  the 
earth,  doth  not  the  worm  proclaim  to  him — Could  less 
than  Omnipotence  have  formed  me  ? 


360  ECONOMY    OF     HUMAN    LIFE. 

While  the  planets  perform  their  courses — while  the 
sun  remaineth  in  his  place — while  the  comet  wandereth 
through  the  liquid  air,  and  returneth  to  his  destined 
road  again ;  who  but  thy  God,  oh,  man !  could  have 
formed  them  ?  What  but  infinite  wisdom  could  have 
appointed  them  their  laws  ? 

Behold  how  awful  their  splendor  yet  do  they  not 
diminish  :  lo  !  how  rapid  their  motion ;  yet  one  runneth 
not  in  the  way  of  another. 

Look  down  upon  the  earth,  and  see  her  produce  ;  ex- 
amine her  bowels,  and  behold  what  they  contain  :  hath 
not  wisdom  and  power  ordained  the  whole  ? 

Who  biddeth  the  grass  to  spring  up  ?  who  watereth 
it  at  its  due  season  ?  Behold  the  ox  croppeth  it ;  the 
horse  and  the  sheep,  feed  they  not  upon  it  ?  who  is  he 
that  provideth  it  for  them  ? 

Who  giveth  increase  to  the  corn  which  thou  sowest  ? 
who  returneth  it  to  thee  a  thousand  fold  ? 

Who  ripeneth  for  thee  the  olive  in  its  time  ?  and  the 
grape  also,  though  thou  knowest  not  the  cause  of  it  ? 

Can  the  meanest  fly  create  itself?  or  couldst  thou, 
being  ought  less  than  God,  couldst  thou  have  fashion- 
ed it? 

The  beasts  feel  that  they  exist,  but  they  wonder  not 
at  it :  they  rejoice  in  their  life,  but  they  know  not  that 
it  shall  end  ;  each  performeth  its  course  in  succession : 
nor  is  there  a  loss  of  one  species  in  a  thousand  genera- 
tions. 

Thou  who  seest  the  whole  as  admirable  as  its  parts, 
canst  thou  better  employ  thine  eye  than  in  tracing  out 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE.  361 

ihy  Creator's  greatness  in  them — thy  mind  than  in  ex- 
amining their  wonders  ? 

Power  and  mercy  are  displayed  in  their  formation ; 
justice  and  goodness  shine  forth  in  the  provision  that  is 
made  for  them ;  all  are  happy  in  their  several  ways  ; 
nor  envieth  one  the  other. 

What  is  the  study  of  words  compared  with  this  ? 
Wherein  is  knowledge  but  in  the  study  of  Nature  ? 

When  thou  hast  adored  the  fabric,  inquire  into  its 
use ;  for  know,  the  earth  produceth  nothing  but  may  be 
of  good  to  thee  :  are  not  food  and  raiment,  and  the  re- 
medies lor  thy  diseases,  all  derived  from  the  earth 
alone  ? 

Who  is  wise  then  but  he  that  knoweth  it  ?  Who  hath 
understanding  but  he  that  contemplateth  it?  for  the 
rest,  whatever  science  hath  most  utility — whatever 
knowledge  hath  least  vanity,  prefer  these  unto  others, 
and  profit  of  them  for  the  sake  of  thy  neighbor. 

To  live  and  to  die — to  command  and  to  obey — to  do 
and  to  suffer,  are  not  these  all  that  thou  hast  further  to 
care  about  ?  morality  shall  teach  thee  these,  the  Econo- 
my of  Life  shall  lay  them  before  thee. 

Behold,  they  are  written  in  thine  heart,  and  thou 
needest  only  to  be  reminded  of  them  ;  they  are  easy  of 
conception  ;  be  attentive,  and  thou  shalt  retain  them. 

All  other  sciences  are  vain — all  other  knowledge  is 
boast :  lo  !  it  is  not  necessary  or  beneficial  to  man,  nor 
doth  it  make  him  more  good  or  more  honest. 

Piety  to  thy  God,  and  benevolence  to  thy  fellow-crea- 
tures, are  they  not  thy  great  duties  ?  What  shall  teach 


362  ECONOMY    OF     HUMAN    LIFE. 

thee  the  one,  or  what  shall  inform  thee  of  the  other, 
like  unto  the  study  of  his  works  ? 


OF  NATURAL  ACCIDENTS. 

CHAPTER    I. 
PROSPERITY    AND    ADVERSITY. 

LET  not  prosperity  elate  thy  heart  above  measure ; 
neither  let  thy  soul  be  depressed  unto  the  grave,  because 
fortune  beareth  hard  against  thee. 

Her  smiles  are  not  stable,  therefore  build  not  thy  con- 
fidence upon  them ;  her  frowns  endure  not  for  ever, 
therefore  let  hope  teach  thee  patience. 

To  bear  adversity  well  is  difficult ;  but  to  be  tempe- 
rate in  prosperity  is  the  height  of  wisdom. 

Good  and  ill  is  the  test  by  which  thou  art  to  know 
thy  constancy  ;  nor  is  there  aught  else  that  can  tell  thee 
the  powers  of  thine  own  soul ;  be  therefore  watchful 
when  these  are  upon  thee. 

Behold  Prosperity,  how  sweetly  she  flattereth  thee ! 
how  insensibly  she  robbeth  thee  of  thy  strength  and 
thy  vigor  ! 

Though  thou  hast  been  constant  in  ill  fortune — though 
thou  has  been  invincible  in  distress,  yet  by  her  thou  art 
conquered  :  not  knowing  that  thy  strength  returneth  not 
again,  and  yet  that  thou  again  mayest  need  it. 

Affliction  moveth  our  enemis  to  pity  ;  success  and 
lappiness  cause  even  our  friends  to  envy. 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE.  363 

Adversity  is  the  seed  of  well  doing  ;  it  is  the  nurse 
of  heroism  and  boldness :  who  that  hath  enough  will 
endanger  himself  to  have  more  ?  who  that  is  at  case  will 
set  his  life  on  the  hazard  ? 

True  virtue  will  act  under  all  circumstances  ;  but  men 
see  most  of  its  effects  when  accidents  occur. 

In  adversity  man  seeth  himself  abandoned  by  others  ; 
he  findeth  that  all  his  hopes  are  centred  within  himself; 
he  rouseth  his  soul ;  he  encountereth  his  difficulties, 
and  they  yield  before  him. 

In  prosperity  he  fancieth  himself  safe — he  thinketh 
that  he  is  beloved  of  all  that  smile  about  his  table — he 
groweth  careless  and  remiss — he  seeth  not  the  danger 
that  is  before  him — he  trusteth  to  others,  and,  in  the 
end,  they  deceive  him. 

Every  man  can  advise  his  own  soul  in  distress ;  but 
prosperity  blindeth  the  truth. 

Better  is  the  sorrow  that  leadeth  contentment,  than 
the  joy  that  rendereth  man  unable  to  endure  distress, 
,uid  afterwards  plungeth  him  into  it. 

Our  passions  dictate  to  us  in  all  our  exti  ernes  ;  mode- 
ration is  the  effect  of  wisdom. 

Be  unright  in  thy  whole  life,  be  content  in  all  its 
changes  ;  so  shait  thou  make  thy  profit  out  of  all  occur- 
rences :  so  shall  every  thing  that  happeneth  unto  thee 
be  the  source  of  praise. 

The  wise  maketh  every  thing  the  means  of  advan- 
tao-e  ;  and  with  the  same  countenance  beholdeth  he  all 
the  facts  of  Fortune  ;  he  governetb  the  good— he  coa- 
quereth  the  evil — he  is  unmoved  in  all. 


364  KOONOMT    OF    HUMAN    LIFE. 

Presume  not  in  prosperity,  neither  despair  in  adver- 
sity ;  court  not  dangers,  nor  meanly  fly  from  before 
them  ;  dare  to  despise  whatever  will  not  remain  with 
thee. 

Let  not  adversity  tear  off  the  wings  of  Hope,  neither 
let  prosperity  obscure  the  light  of  prudence. 

He  who  despaireth  of  the  end  shall  never  attain  unto 
it ;  and  he  who  seeth  not  the  pit  shall  perish  therein. 

He  who  calleth  prosperity  his  good — who  hath  said 
unto  her — '  With  thee  will  I  establish  my  happiness  ;' 
lo  !  he  anchoreth  his  vessel  in  a  bed  of  sand,  which 
the  return  of  the  tide  washeth  away. 

As  the  water  that  passeth  from  the  mountains  kisseth, 
in  its  way  to  the  ocean,  every  field  that  bordereth  the 
rivers — as  it  tarrieth  not  in  any  place,  even  so  Fortune 
visiteth  the  sons  of  men :  her  motion  is  incessant,  she 
will  not  stay — she  is  unstable  as  the  winds  :  how  then 
wilt  thou  hold  her  ?  when  she  kisseth  thee,  thou  art 
blessed :  but  behold,  as  thou  turnest  to  thank  her,  she 
is  gone  to  another. 

CHAPTER    II. 

PAIN    AND     SICKNESS. 

THE  sickness  of  the  body  affecteth  even  the  soui ;  the 

one  cannot  be  in  health  without  the  other. 

Pain  is  of  all  ills  that  which  is  most  felt ;  and  it  is  that 

from  which  nature  hath  the  sweetest  remedies. 

When  thy  constancy  faileth  thee,  call  in  thy  reason  ; 

when  thy  patience  quitteth  thee  call  in  thy  hope- 
To  suffer  is  a  necessity  entailed  upon  thy  nature 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE.  365 

wouldst  thou  that  miracles  should  protect  thee  from  it? 
or  shalt  thou  repine  because  it  happeneth  unto  thee, 
when  lo,  it  happeneth  unto  all  ? 

It  is  injustice  to  expect  exemption  from  that  thou  wert 
born  unto  :  submit  with  modesty  to  the  laws  of  thy  con- 
dition. 

Wouldst  thou  say  to  the  seasons — Pass  not  on,  lest  I 
grow  old  !  Is  it  not  better  to  suffer  with  an  equal  mind 
that  which  thou  canst  not  avoid  ? 

Pain  that  endureth  long  is  moderate  ;  blush  therefore 
to  complain  of  it : — that  which  is  violent  is  short :  be- 
hold, thou  seest  the  end  of  it. 

The  body  was  created  to  be  subservient  to  the  soul ; 
while  thou  afflictest  the  soul  for  pain,  behold,  thou  seest 
the  body  above  it. 

As  the  wise  afflicteth  not  himself  because  a  thorn 
teareth  Lis  garment;  so  the  patient  grieveth  not  his 
soul,  because  that  which  covereth  it  is  injured. 

CHAPTER    III. 

DEATH. 

As  the  production  of  the  metal  proveth  the  work  of 
the  alchymist,  so  is  death  the  test  of  our  lives,  the  assay 
which  sheweth  the  standard  of  all  our  actions. 

Wouldst  thou  judge  of  a  life,  examine  the  period  of 
it :  the  end  crowneth  the  attempt ;  and  where  dissimu- 
lation is  no  more,  there  truth  appeareth. 

He  hath  not  spent  his  life  ill  whoknoweth  to  die  well ; 
neither  can  he  have  lost  all  his  time  who  eraployeth  the 
last  portion  of  it  to  his  honor. 


366  ECONOMY     OF     HUMAN    LIFE. 

He  was  not  born  in  vain  who  dieth  as  he  ought ; 
neith  hath  he  lived  unprofitably  who  dieth  happily. 

He  that  considereth  he  is  to  die  is  content  while  he 
liveth  :  he  who  striveth  to  forget  it  hath  no  pleasure  in 
any  thing  ;  his  joy  appeareth  to  him  a  jewel  which  he 
expecteth  every  moment  he  shall  lose. 

Wouldst  thou  learn  to  die  nobly,  let  thy  vices  die 
before  thee.  Happy  is  he  who  endeth  the  business  of 
his  life  before  his  death  ;  who,  when  the  hour  cometh, 
hath  nothing  to  do  but  to  die ;  who  wisheth  not  delay, 
because  he  hath  no  longer  use  for  time. 

Avoid  not  death,  for  it  is  a  weakness  :  fear  it  not,  for 
thou  understandest  not  what  it  is  ;  all  that  thou  certainly 
knowest  is  this,  that  it  putteth  an  end  to  thy  present 
sorrows. 

Think  not  the  longest  life  the  happiest:  that  which  is 
best  employed  doth  man  the  most  honor  :  himself  shall 
rejoice  after  death  in  the  advantages  of  it. 


POWER  OF  MATERNAL  PIETY. 

WHY  gaze  ye  on  my  hoary  hairs, 
Ye  children,  young  and  gay  ? 

Your  locks,  beneath  the  blast  of  cares, 
Will  bleach  as  white  as  they. 

I  had  a  mother  once,  like  you, 

Who  o'er  my  pillow  hung, 
Kissed  from  my  cheek  the  briny  dew, 

And  taught  my  faltering  tongue. 


ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE.  367 

She,  when  the  nightly  couch  was  spread. 

Would  bow  my  infant  knee, 
And  place  her  hand  upon  my  head, 

And,  kneeling,  pray  for  me. 

But  then  there  came  a  fearful  day ; 

I  sought  my  mother's  bed, 
Till  harsh  hands  tore  me  thence  away, 

And  told  me  she  was  dead. 

I  pluked  a  fair  white  rose,  and  stole 

To  lay  it  by  her  side, 
And  thought  strange  sleep  enchained  her  soul, 

For  no  fond  voice  replied. 

That  e'er  I  knelt  me  down  in  wo, 

And  said  a  lonely  prayer  ; 
Yet  still  my  temples  seemed  to  glow 

As  if  that  hand  were  there. 

Years  fled,  and  left  my  childhood's  joy, 

Gay  sports  and  pastimes  dear ; 
I  rose  a  wild  and  wayward  boy, 

Who  scorned  the  curb  of  fear. 

Fierce  passions  shook  me  like  a  reed ; 

Yet,  ere  at  night  I  slept, 
That  soft  hand  made  my  bosom  bleed, 

And  down  I  fell,  and  wept. 

Youth  came — the  props  of  virtue  reeled ; 

But  oft,  at  day's  decline, 
A  marble  touch  my  brow  congealed — 

Blessed  mother  1  was  it  thine  ? 


368  ECONOMY    OF    HUMAN    LIFE, 

In  foreign  lands  I  travelled  wide, 

My  pulse  was  bounding  high, 
Vice  spread  her  meshes  at  my  side, 

And  pleasure  lured  my  eye  ; 
Yet  still  that  hand,  so  soft  and  cold, 

Maintained  its  mystic  sway, 
As  when,  amid  my  curls  of  gold, 

With  gentle  force  it  lay. 
And  with  it  breathed  a  voice  of  care, 

As  from  thy  lowly  sod, 
•'  My  son — my  only  one — beware ! 

Nor  sin  against  thy  God." 
Ye  think,  perchance,  that  age  hath  stole 

My  kindly  warmth  away, 
And  dimmed  the  tablet  of  the  soul ; 

Yet  when,  with  lordly  sway, 
This  brow  the  plumed  helm  displayed 

That  guides  the  warrior  throng, 
Or  beauty's  thrilling  fingers  strayed 

These  manly  locks  among, 
That  hallowed  touch  was  ne'er  forgot  I 

And  now,  though  time  hath  set 
His  frosty  seal  upon  my  lot, 

These  temples  feel  it  yet. 
And  if  I  e'er  in  Heaven  appear, 

A  mother's  holy  prayer, 
A  mother's  hand,  and  gentle  tear, 
That  pointed  to  a  Saviour  dear, 

Have  led  the  wanderer  there. 


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